Chelsea defeated rivals Fulham 3-2 in Xabi Alonso’s managerial debut against his former Real Madrid teammate and coaching successor Alvaro Arbeloa. Here are the biggest stars and flops from the match.
Star: Cole Palmer
If Chelsea are to return to the Champions League, then they are going to need Cole Palmer to be back at his best level. Well, he was on Matchday 1, absolutely cooking the Fulham midfield and defense with three key passes, eight combined dribbles completed and fouls drawn, and a goal and an assist to win it. Oh, and Alonso got some solid defensive work rate out of him.
Flop: Malo Gusto
Malo Gusto at right back and Reece James in the midfield does not work, because James is ten times the right back Gusto is and any midfielder is going to be better than James. The former Lyon man continues to be a liability in defense and is too sloppy and unproductive as a chance creator to merit starts.
Star: Maxence Lacroix
Meanwhile, the other French starting defender, Maxence Lacroix, had a fantastic debut, and without two of his decisive interventions, Chelsea would not have won this match. He looks like the new best center back on the roster, flying all over the field defensively with seven combined tackles and interceptions. And he even had an assist.
Flop: Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill was missed badly last season, but Chelsea will need him to be better than he was against Fulham. He did not read passing lanes well enough and was outclassed by Gonzalo Garcia off the ball, hardly making an intervention. It was a sloppy performance from a usually great player.
Star: Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers, like Maxence Lacroix, had a great debut, too, scoring a goal and leading the team with five key passes while adding three dribbles completed. The former Aston Villa man 100 percent looks like the missing piece for Chelsea.
Flop: Robert Sanchez
An errant play nearly brought Fulham points, and Robert Sanchez does have a point to prove this season that last year was no fluke. He is not off to an ideal start so far.
Star: Joao Pedro
As great as Joao Pedro was all around last season, the former Brighton man still feels underrated, even at a big club like Chelsea. The Blues No. 9 had another great game on Monday night, scoring and assisting against Fulham to make up for a few lousy touches. Once he locks back in, Pedro is going to be unstoppable this season with Palmer and Rogers by his side under Alonso.
Purveyor of footy since the 90s. Favor the Premier League and old school Serie A with a touch of Bundesliga. More than a touch. Professional writer for 20 years, covering every sport but now focused on the Premier League and world football. You won’t be able to guess my favorite team.