Xabi Alonso begins Chelsea reign with thrilling 3-2 win over Fulham

Chelsea began life under new coach Xabi Alonso with a breathless 3-2 victory over West London neighbours Fulham in the Premier League on Monday, as their attacking trio of Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all found the net.

Chelsea got off to a dream start after just 31 seconds when Palmer – looking back to his best after struggling with injury last season – set up Joao Pedro, and the Brazilian flicked the ball over goalkeeper Bernd Leno. It was the fastest goal scored in an opening round of Premier League fixtures in the competition's 34-year history.

Fulham drew level when Josh King beat goalkeeper Robert Sánchez at his near post in the 24th minute, delighting home supporters against their fiercest rivals.

But two of Chelsea's new signings combined again in the 41st minute, as central defender Maxence Lacroix jinked down the right before cutting the ball back for the club's £117 million ($159.47 million) record signing, Rogers, who made no mistake.

Four minutes into the second half, Joao Pedro held the ball up in attack before feeding Palmer, who angled a shot through Leno's legs – a goal that underlined the midfielder's return to form after missing out on England's World Cup squad.

Palmer told Sky Sports that it had been a difficult season with injuries, but that he had worked hard through the summer and since returning to fitness, adding that he knew the talent he had and could produce performances of that calibre.

Fulham's Gonzalo Garcia, making his league debut after signing from Real Madrid, gave the hosts fresh hope by heading in after Sánchez could only parry a Timothy Castagne shot in the 54th minute. Fulham then had a strong chance to equalise through Antonee Robinson in the 78th minute, but his chipped effort over a stranded Sánchez drifted wide, and Chelsea held on to take the points.

Chelsea's Enzo Fernández – a key figure for World Cup runners-up Argentina, and who has been linked with a move to Manchester City – was met with loud boos from the home crowd when he came on as a substitute midway through the second half.

Alonso's win in his first competitive match since taking charge at Stamford Bridge came against his former Liverpool and Spain teammate Álvaro Arbeloa, who was also making his Premier League debut as a coach and who briefly succeeded Alonso as Real Madrid manager last season.

Alonso will be hoping that midfielder Moisés Caicedo and new full-back Marco Palestra – both currently injured – can offer greater solidity on their return, while Sánchez may soon face competition for his place from Mike Penders, who has returned to Chelsea from sister club Racing Strasbourg.