Xabi Alonso brings real promise but one glaring problem could jeopardise his Chelsea rebuild

Xabi Alonso arrived at Craven Cottage with ambition to create a Premier League title challenger, but his return to England faced hurdles. His managerial debut saw a five-goal thriller against Fulham, promising hope for the future. The Chelsea front three, featuring Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, and Joao Pedro, showcased their attacking prowess.

Palmer, after a disappointing season, suddenly became a threat after linking with Joao Pedro within the first few minutes. Alonso recognized their importance, urging the rest of the team to follow suit.

Other debutants, like Maxence Lacroix and Jorrel Hato, also impressed, with Lacroix providing a crucial assist and Hato demonstrating his versatility as a defender. However, the central midfield lacked clarity, with neither Enzo Fernandez nor Moises Caicedo starting. Despite this, Alonso was pleased with the fans singing his former teammate Robert Sanchez's name, hoping to keep him as the first-choice goalkeeper.

Yet, Sanchez's performance was a major concern, his mistakes putting Chelsea at risk, including an alarming miss that led to a goal for Fulham. Despite this, Alonso urged patience, emphasizing the need to learn from mistakes and adjust rather than dismissing Sanchez outright. The manager remains committed to his rebuild, but the question remains whether this performance will prompt late transfer moves. Yet, Alonso's calm demeanor suggests he will resist any hasty decisions at this stage.