Chelsea don begin new era under Xabi Alonso with sweet 3-2 victory over Fulham for Craven Cottage. E be like say Cole Palmer don return to im best, as im score one and create another for di pulsating contest. Di Blues attacking trio of Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers look sharp, as all three score for di game where defending no dey for mind.
Na only 31 seconds inside di match, Palmer don lay marker by teeing up Joao Pedro for di opener. Joao Pedro score well. Dem no look back from there. Rogers, wey just sign, score on im debut with late run to finish Maxence Lacroix cross before half-time. Then im flick-on release Joao Pedro wey set up Palmer for third goal shortly after di break. Chelsea suppose don get easier night if not say goalkeeper Robert Sanchez get nightmare performance. Im mistakes give Fulham chance to come back. Josh King score powerful drive wey Sanchez no fit save well, and Goncalo Garcia later score as Sanchez spill shot into im path.
Despite all, Chelsea win. But one incident wey generate debate na di tackle by Levi Colwill for first half. Colwill collect yellow card early for foul on Oscar Bobb. Some supporters dey talk say im suppose don see red because im be last man. But former Premier League referee chief Keith Hackett say di on-field decision correct, as Chelsea get covering defender. Hackett talk for social media: ‘The covering defender influences my agreement. No red card correct decision.’
Fulham coach Alvaro Arbeloa talk say im happy and proud of im players, and say if dem continue to play like that, dem go win many games. Xabi Alonso talk say e no be about talking individuals, but understanding wetin e take. E say for sure first goal dem fit do better, but e be process and day one, and e easier to learn with three points.
Di match get plenty drama, including booing for Enzo Fernandez as im come in, and late chance for Fulham wey Antonee Robinson miscue chip with Sanchez out of line. But at end, Chelsea deserved winner.
