Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Chelsea supporters may want another star forward or a new goalkeeper to replace the unconvincing Robert Sanchez, but Xabi Alonso feels his squad is largely complete for this summer.

However, there is a huge amount of work to do to reduce the squad from 39 players to about 25 in the next week. That is the priority, as the Blues will not want frustrated players in their squad this season.

Savage Dan, Chelsea fan

Chelsea need to focus more on the outgoings than incoming players.

With no Europe, it's important we do not carry a squad that's too heavy, as we won't have too much room for rotation.

If we were to bring anybody in, I think the priority is a top-drawer goalkeeper.

What business do you think still needs to get done before 23:00 BST on 1 September?

Get in touch with your views here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

While Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro have generally carried Chelsea's biggest attacking threat in recent times, they have now been joined by the impressive Morgan Rogers too.

His arrival reunites him with Palmer, an ex-Manchester City team-mate and someone he described after the win at Craven Cottage as his "best friend in football".

"He had a difficult season with injuries and stuff last year - and you could see it in his eyes in pre-season and training that he's ready this year and ready to prove people wrong," added Rogers when asked about Palmer's display.

"You saw that with that performance. He was the best player on the pitch by a mile and that's what he does. It's good to have him on our side."

Indeed, it was also encouraging how Rogers, whose pre-season was shortened by his involvement in England's run to third place at the World Cup, looked so fit and powerful.

Rogers is the first Chelsea player to score on his Premier League debut since Christopher Nkunku in 2023 - and the first to create five chances in his first league appearance since records began in 2003-04.

It was also the first time Chelsea supporters sang the new Rogers chant in the away end.

Like Palmer, Joao Pedro missed out on the World Cup - as a high-profile omission from Brazil's squad - but returned in pre-season with eight goals in seven games.

It was no surprise to see him on the scoresheet so early in the Premier League campaign, having inherited the number nine shirt from Liam Delap, who was left out of the squad on Monday, following the contract extension the Brazilian signed this weekend.

"Great combination, great quality," Alonso told BBC Match of the Day when asked about his front three.

"We know if we reach them [Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer] in good positions, they have this talent to create special things and I am very happy the three forwards have scored.

"We need to put them in the best situations. I am happy for the three of them. They played for the team."

Read more from Nizaar on the Blues

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It took Joao Pedro just 31 seconds to open the scoring against Fulham, latching on to a pass from Cole Palmer and lifting his shot over goalkeeper Bernd Leno for Chelsea's fastest goal since October 2016.

After Josh King had equalised, Morgan Rogers then marked his debut with a goal before half-time by tapping in from close range.

But it was Cole Palmer - scorer of Chelsea's third - who stood out most.

He has endured a frustrating 18 months since a niggling groin problem disrupted his sensational start to life at Stamford Bridge, highlighted by the fact he matched last season's Premier League assist tally by setting up Joao Pedro.

His trickery and creativity was on display throughout against Fulham, along with an impressive work-rate. This was more like the Palmer we saw during his first season at Stamford Bridge - and like the one who tore Paris St-Germain apart during last year's Club World Cup final.

"Over the summer I rested, I recharged and, yeah, I'm ready and I'm hungry," Palmer, who is now just two goals away from 50 in the Premier League, told Sky Sports.

He certainly looks refreshed.

During Chelsea's pre-season tour of Australia, he spoke of having a point to prove and admitted a lengthy summer break felt unusual after featuring in major tournaments in each of the previous three years.

"Cole Palmer was sensational," said former Manchester United defender Gary Neville on Sky Sports. "He and Morgan Rogers were electric with Joao Pedro - the front three were brilliant.

"That was the old Cole Palmer. It was unbelievable to watch. One of the best things I've seen this weekend."

We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Fulham and Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Fulham fans

John: It was always going to be tough against Chelsea's attacking riches but we were not helped by conceding such soft goals at the start of each half. We struggled to cope with Cole Palmer throughout, and he looked like a player with a point to prove. On the upside, we responded well and posed a threat ourselves. Josh King was particularly impressive and appears to be maturing nicely. Alvaro Arbeloa has to be afforded patience, but we need to adapt and learn fast.

Sam: Despite the loss to a very strong Chelsea team, it was a good showing from the young talent and new recruits, which makes me positive Fulham will not go down this season and could potentially push for a European spot.

Gordon: Well done, the Whites! A good start in a game we thought we would be second best in. For times, we rocked Chelsea and showed why we are in the Premier League. King has his goal this season, and Gonzalo Garcia too, Now we can kick on. Get a centre-back, another midfielder and a goalie to challenge Bernd Leno and we will be great!

Aaron: Never nice to lose to that lot, but a lot of promise from the display. If only Antonee Robinson hit the target...

Chelsea fans

James: In an attacking sense, brilliant. The defence was once again an issue and Levi Colwill was lucky not to be sent off. It seems glaringly obvious that Robert Sanchez is just not good enough to be number one. I would like to see Mike Penders given a chance - or Emi Martinez signed from Aston Villa.

Jonty: The front three are world class, the back four less so and Sanchez is a calamity! Time for the club to purchase a world-class keeper or they can kiss goodbye to silverware.

Dell: Decent performance for the first game. The frontline looked good, but defensively we were suspect at times, especially after Fulham got their first goal. Sanchez was Sanchez, unfortunately,. We need a top-class keeper.

NJ: So many changes, same old Chelsea. Great up front, but our defence has never reached the Terry-Carvalho years! Give Penders a shot in goal because Sanchez is not consistent enough.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Questions remain over Robert Sanchez, who allowed Josh King's low strike to go straight through him for Fulham's equaliser and then tamely parried Timothy Castagne's shot into a dangerous area for Gonzalo Garcia to head in from close range to set up a nervy finish at Craven Cottage.

"They have strengthened in every position of the pitch but you cannot take a chance on goalkeepers," said ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville on Sky Sports.

"It's the most difficult position on the pitch, it's the one that carries the most scrutiny.

"If you have got a goalkeeper who's making mistakes and is anxious, it will undermine everything you're trying to do. It's a problem."

There was nowhere to hide for Sanchez.

King's equaliser in the 23rd minute had an expected goals on target (xGoT) value of just 0.05, making it the lowest-rated shot to result in a goal during the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

In other words, Sanchez really should have saved it.

He did make a number of other saves, but he also conceded a corner after failing to clear the ball before it ran out of play and was later unconvincing when coming off his line to deal with a long ball, with Antonee Robinson missing the target to let him off the hook.

While Xabi Alonso defended his goalkeeper after the game, in his pre-match news conference he said: "The pitch is the boss of everything. I don't decide. The players need to show me."

That message applied to his goalkeepers - Sanchez and 21-year-old number two Mike Penders, who is waiting to make his debut after returning from a successful loan spell at Strasbourg.

With the transfer window still open, many Chelsea fans will be asking whether the club need a new first-choice goalkeeper.

As former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports: "They have to sort the goalkeeping issue out because it's going to come back and haunt them again this season."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Strasbourg have signed Chelsea attacker Omari Kellyman on a permanent deal.

The move is the 20th transfer between the two clubs since they came under the same American ownership group, BlueCo. It includes a buyback clause and is expected to be the first of three deals between the clubs this week.

Chelsea striker Deivid Washington is also set to join the French side in a similar arrangement. And either midfielder Dario Essugo or winger Mykhailo Mudryk could also join Strasbourg on loan.

Kellyman, 20, joined Chelsea from Aston Villa for £19m in 2024.

However, a series of hamstring injuries disrupted his time at Stamford Bridge and he did not make a first-team appearance.

Kellyman enjoyed a successful loan spell at League One side Cardiff City as they achieved promotion back to the Championship last season.

Chelsea starting XI:

Robert Sanchez: An early kicking error gifted Fulham a corner. He should have saved King's equaliser at his near post, while his initial save for Fulham's second was parried into a dangerous area, allowing Garcia to score. 3

Josh Acheampong: The 20-year-old produced a fine double clearance and block in the 27th minute and looked solid throughout. 6

Maxence Lacroix: Remarkably involved in both of Chelsea's first two goals, with his headed clearance leading to the opener and his run down the right and cut-back setting up Rogers. 7

Levi Colwill: An early mistake left him fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after a foul on Bobb. He was also partly at fault for Fulham's second goal after failing to clear a deep cross. 5

Malo Gusto: The wing-back was a surprise selection amid Chelsea's injury problems, but his passing lacked conviction at times. 5

Romeo Lavia: Booked early on after a late challenge on Bassey. He grew into the game, however, going close from a corner and moving the ball well through midfield. 5

Reece James: Saw a miscued effort saved in the first half but gradually grew into the game and helped Chelsea gain control. 6

Jorrel Hato: Operating in an unfamiliar wing-back role, the defender produced a promising early dribble and adapted well. 6

Cole Palmer: Simply the best player on the pitch. Palmer was creative, physically impressive and produced several superb dribbles before scoring an excellent third goal. He looks refreshed after the summer break. 9

Morgan Rogers: An outstanding debut. Pressed aggressively, had a shot blocked, played in Joao Pedro and then capped his display by scoring Chelsea's second with a far-post finish. 8

Joao Pedro: Opened the scoring after 31 seconds with a deft finish over Leno. He also exploited Fulham's high defensive line intelligently to set up Palmer's goal. 8

Chelsea substitutes:

Enzo Fernandez (on 65, Lavia): The Argentine was booed by the home fans on every touch of the ball and might not have featured had Moises Caicedo been fit. Still, Fernandez moved the ball around the pitch and fought for possession. 6

Pep Chavarria (on 65, Hato): It was a back-to-the-wall job for the wing-back but he did little of note on his brief debut cameo. 5

Pedro Neto (on 76, Gusto):5

Geovany Quenda (on 82, Rogers): 5

Estevao (on 83, Palmer): 5

Subs not used: Penders, Barco, Gittens, Welbeck.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Chelsea have had three bids rejected this summer for Bournemouth and England midfielder Alex Scott, 23. (The i), external

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Steven Sutcliffe
BBC Sport Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The opening stages of this contest only confirmed what many had anticipated before a ball had been kicked this term – when Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers line up for Chelsea, Xabi Alonso has an irresistible attacking triumvirate at his disposal.

After his previous campaign was hampered by fatigue and injuries that ultimately cost him a place in Thomas Tuchel's plans at the World Cup this summer, Chelsea playmaker Palmer delivered an instant reminder of his match-winning talent in west London.

His nonchalant flick set Joao Pedro on his way and his second-half goal underlined a fine performance.

While there was also evidence that Alonso has been able to impress his ideas on the squad with some neat positional interchanges, notably for their second goal, there were also some familiar failings on show.

A lapse of concentration cost Levi Colwill a booking and his manhandling of Josh King shortly after was inadvisable at best for a player already on a yellow card.

There will also be the inevitable inquest over whether Robert Sanchez is a competent enough number one for a club with aspirations of winning the biggest trophies on offer.

The 28-year-old Spaniard had already made an unconvincing start to the new campaign with two elementary distribution errors to put his team under unnecessary pressure, when he left a huge gap at his near post to allow King to drive home an equaliser.

While further errors from Colwill and Sanchez contributed to Fulham's second, fortunately for Alonso, moments of defensive uncertainty were outweighed by the quality of Palmer and co at the other end of the pitch.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I think it was a professional performance. The game had different momentums. To win away in the Premier League is normally tough. We were prepared for that. Happy with the performance. It is a good first day.

"Great combination, great quality. We know if we reach them [Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer] in good positions, they have this talent to create special things and I am very happy the three forwards have scored.

"I have really enjoyed his [Palmer] performance. He has played with responsibility, with maturity but as well with freedom. It is very important for me that we get the best from Cole when he takes this role. He feels where he has to be involved and I am happy for him. If we want to have a good team and we need a great Cole.

"It is still a process for sure. We need to keep working, analysing and improving. Every game is a lesson."

On Enzo Fernandez's future: "In football, I am not surprised by anything. We will see. My wish is that we know what will happen for the future but we will see this week."

Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer, speaking to Sky Sports about winning their opening match: "It's important - away game first is always tough but we dug in and got the win."

On playing with his close friend Morgan Rogers: "When you grow up you want to play or do anything with your best friends, so playing football at the best level feels surreal."

How ready are you this season? "Did you not watch the game? I'm only joking, I'm ready, you know. It was a difficult season with injuries and whatnot but through the summer and since I've been back I've worked extra hard. Obviously with the injuries I've had to try and prevent them and work extra hard day in, day out.

"I know the talent I've got so I can put in performances like that."

On how hungry he is for the season: "Normally I'm not an emotional person, the people who know me know I'm not usually bothered about things in life, but over the summer I rested, I recharged and yeah, I'm ready and I'm hungry."

Did you know?

• Timed at 31 seconds, Joao Pedro's opener for Chelsea was the earliest ever goal scored by a team in their opening game of a Premier League season.

• Chelsea have started their Premier League season with a win for the first time since 2022-23, when they beat Everton 1-0 under Thomas Tuchel.

• Since making his Premier League debut for Chelsea in September 2023, only Mohamed Salah (15) and Ollie Watkins (10) have both scored and assisted in more games than Cole Palmer (nine).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Fulham's performance

What did you make of Chelsea's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Tuesday for a selection of your replies.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea are looking at alternative options to Leeds United for Mykhailo Mudryk, despite receiving a loan offer for the winger from the Elland Road side.

The Blues say they have ended talks with Leeds over the 25-year-old Ukraine international after negotiations continued throughout the weekend.

Other solutions include a move to sister club Strasbourg or to another Premier League side, with Coventry City, Napoli, Atalanta and Roma having expressed interest.

Chelsea are keen to guarantee playing time for the forward, who joined from Shakhtar Donetsk for an initial £61m in 2023, by including financial penalties if he is not involved.

However, a move to Leeds was believed to be Mudryk's favoured option, with Brentford also having had an approach turned down over attempts to include an option to buy.

Mudryk is keen to get his career back on track after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium and serving a 20-month ban.

He returned to action at the end of July and featured in Chelsea's pre-season tour of Asia.

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

Week one of the 2026-27 Premier League season signals the start of a new era for London rivals Fulham and Chelsea. They meet on Monday night (20:00 BST) at Craven Cottage.

The home side have a new coach in the dugout for the first time in five years. Marco Silva moved on at the end of last season following the expiration of his contract, and Fulham made the bold choice to appoint former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa as his replacement.

As for Chelsea, after a tumultuous 2025-26 season in which they had three different head coaches, they have opted for Xabi Alonso – another former Real Madrid boss – to steady the ship and take the team forward.

Bouncing back after Los Blancos

For Alonso and Arbeloa, this season will be about shaking off challenging respective campaigns in the Spanish capital.

The former took charge of Los Blancos at the start last season and was replaced by his former Liverpool team-mate after being sacked in January. Arbeloa also found the Madrid squad too tricky to tame and was given his marching orders at the end of the season.

A fresh start should do both of them good in theory. Arbeloa has sought to bring some gems from the Bernabeu with him to west London, though, with Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios signing from Real Madrid.

They could help Arbeloa make an early imprint on a squad that was forged in Silva's image over five years. A fast start is something that has eluded the Cottagers in recent seasons too, as they have won just one of their past six Premier League openers.

Change of plan for Chelsea?

After being appointed in May, Alonso has had plenty of time to put together his plan for the new campaign.

While Chelsea have spent big again, there has been a shift in their transfer strategy. Across the previous seven transfer windows, the Blues have signed 30 players at an average age of 20.5; this summer, they have added eight first-team players with an average age of 25.6.

The arrivals of 35-year-old Danny Welbeck and 36-year-old Jordan Henderson would indicate that Alonso feels some experience is essential in what remains a young squad.

They will both be keen to offer something on the pitch too, though. Welbeck, in particular, was fantastic for Brighton last season and netted 13 times in the Premier League.

This year will be a significant one for the former Manchester United and Arsenal man. Welbeck is set to feature in his 19th Premier League season, playing at least once in every campaign since and including 2008-09. This will be the joint-most seasons played by any striker in the competition's history, equalling Jermain Defoe (19) and overtaking Peter Crouch (18).

Welbeck and the rest of the new acquisitions will be key in uplifting the Chelsea squad after the wheels fell off last season in spectacular fashion.

From the start of March, the Blues lost a whopping eight Premier League matches, which was the most of any team in the division.

I worry about Fulham without Marco Silva in charge. They have also lost Harry Wilson's attacking influence from last season and Raul Jimenez, who led the line for them so well, too.

They have brought in Alvaro Arbeloa to replace Silva and gone down the youth route to rebuild their frontline, signing Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios from Real Madrid and Swedish teenager Jonah Kusi-Asare from Bayern Munich.

If I'm a Fulham fan, my concern would be that they always felt stable under Silva and I'm not sure what this new approach will bring.

They were never in trouble last season, but I'm expecting more of a struggle this time.

It is a new era at Chelsea as well, with Xabi Alonso in charge, and I think things will be different there too but in a positive way.

I don't think Chelsea will go from 10th to first again, like they did under Antonio Conte 10 years ago, because they had a much stronger team then.

But they have got Cole Palmer - and Morgan Rogers is an exciting signing. Alonso is a breath of fresh air too, and I think he will begin with a win.

Sutton's prediction: 0-2

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Manchester City are ready to meet Chelsea's asking price for Enzo Fernandez, with the Blues wanting £120m for the midfielder. (Football Insider), external

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