Xabi Alonso wins Premier League bow as Cole Palmer shines for Chelsea

Xabi Alonso got his Premier League tenure off to a winning start as Chelsea edged past Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage, with Cole Palmer once again proving the difference-maker by scoring a goal and setting up another. The Spanish coach was quick to praise his playmaker afterwards and struck an ambitious tone about what this Chelsea squad can achieve this season.

• Xabi Alonso secures his first league win as Chelsea manager.
• Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage.
• Cole Palmer scores a goal and provides an assist in the win.
• Alonso praises Palmer's 'responsibility, maturity and freedom'.
• The manager says his squad can achieve 'special things' this season.

How Chelsea handled Xabi Alonso's Premier League debut

A trip to Craven Cottage was never going to be the easiest way to open a Premier League tenure, but Chelsea managed to navigate a back-and-forth contest against a Fulham side that is always tricky on home turf. The 3-2 win handed Alonso three points in his first official league game in charge of the west London club, a debut that carried plenty of anticipation following his exit from Real Madrid.

Cole Palmer's decisive role in the win over Fulham

If one name stands out from Chelsea's victory, it is Cole Palmer's. The attacking midfielder, who has become the club's key creative figure since breaking through a couple of seasons ago, once again showed why he is central to the team's plans, directly contributing to two of Chelsea's three goals - scoring one and teeing up another. His influence on the side's attacking play remains a constant week after week.

Xabi Alonso's praise for Cole Palmer

After the final whistle, Alonso wasted no time putting the spotlight on his star player, speaking about the importance of Palmer taking on more responsibility within the dressing room without losing the freshness that makes him so dangerous going forward.

To have a good team, we need a great Cole.

With that line, Alonso summed up his view of the England international: a player he wants to see lead with responsibility and maturity, while still being given the freedom to express his creativity. The comment fits with a coach known for empowering his most talented players within a clearly defined collective structure.

What Xabi Alonso expects from this Chelsea squad

Beyond the result itself, Alonso was keen to project ambition for the rest of the campaign. The Spaniard, who arrives with credentials built at Bayer Leverkusen and during his recent spell in charge at Real Madrid, believes the talent available to him in London can compete for bigger targets. His comments point towards building a recognisable playing identity, something already being discussed before his league debut, and getting the best out of a young squad in which Palmer serves as the standout figure.

The context behind Chelsea's managerial change

Alonso's arrival fits into Chelsea's now-familiar pattern of frequent changes in the dugout over recent years. The Basque coach lands with the task of building continuity for a project that blends emerging young talent with established performers like Palmer, as the club continues striving to reassert itself both domestically and on the European stage.