{
  "id": 3136920,
  "title": "‘Special’ Chelsea forwards inspire Alonso’s winning start",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/special-chelsea-forwards-inspire-alonsos-winning-start-3136920",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T22:56:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/08/25/special-chelsea-forwards-inspire-alonso-s-winning-start"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In his first game as Chelsea's manager, Xabi Alonso praised the club's special forwards Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, and Joao Pedro, whose combined efforts helped secure a 3-2 victory over Fulham. Pedro scored the opening goal just 31 seconds into the match, following a pass from Palmer. Rogers scored Chelsea's second goal, capitalizing on a mistake from Fulham's goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez. Palmer scored a third goal after halftime, and the team's attacking display was a far cry from last season's underwhelming performances under previous managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. Alonso emphasized the importance of giving his young stars the freedom to create chances while also taking responsibility for the team's overall performance. Despite the early goals, Chelsea had to endure Sanchez's second error, which led to Gonzalo Garcia's goal. The manager acknowledged the team's need for control, quality, and toughness to complement the attacking prowess of their stars. Palmer, who struggled last season and was omitted from England's World Cup squad, appeared revitalized by the arrival of Rogers and expressed his readiness to prove his worth in the current season.",
  "summary": "Xabi Alonso enjoyed a perfect start to his reign after giving Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro the freedom to attack Fulham's defence.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Chelsea start Alonso era with exciting 3-2 win at Fulham",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/chelsea-start-alonso-era-with-exciting-3-2-win-at-fulham",
        "published": "2026-08-24T21:08:24.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "Palmer-Pedro magic helps Chelsea hold off Fulham in Alonso's EPL debut",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/palmer-pedro-magic-helps-chelsea-hold-off-fulham-in-alonsos-epl-debut",
        "published": "2026-08-24T21:14:58.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Alonso makes winning start with Chelsea as Rogers scores on debut",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/alonso-makes-winning-start-with-chelsea-as-rogers-scores-on-debut",
        "published": "2026-08-24T21:21:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "TheCable",
        "title": "EPL: Alonso starts Chelsea stint with win over Fulham in five-goal thriller",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/epl-alonso-starts-chelsea-stint-with-win-over-fulham-in-five-goal",
        "published": "2026-08-24T21:41:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Chelsea start Alonso era with exciting 3-2 win at neighbours Fulham",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/chelsea-start-alonso-era-with-exciting-3-2-win-at-neighbours-fulham-3129573",
        "published": "2026-08-24T22:26:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Alonso makes winning start with Chelsea as Rogers scores on debut",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/alonso-makes-winning-start-with-chelsea-as-rogers-scores-on-debut",
        "published": "2026-08-25T00:27:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}