Rogers scores on Chelsea debut

LONDON (AP):

Chelsea record signing Morgan Rogers scored on his debut as the Blues beat Fulham 3-2 yesterday to give new coach Xabi Alonso a perfect start to the Premier League season.

Rogers, who joined from Aston Villa last month, found the net four minutes before halftime when he slotted home from a well-worked cutback by Maxence Lacroix.

Brazilian João Pedro had given Chelsea the lead after just 32 seconds, but Josh King restored parity midway through the first half.

Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s standout performers, made it 3-1 in the 49th minute when he fired home from a tight angle after latching on to a pass from João Pedro.

Fulham reduced the deficit almost immediately. Gonzalo García headed into the net after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez could only parry Timothy Castagne’s low shot. The home side then pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Chelsea held firm.

Instead, Chelsea’s front three stole the spotlight with a dazzling display that Alonso described as “a good first day.”

“It is a great combination and great quality,” he said. “We know that if we reach them in a good position then they have this talent to create special things. Today I am happy that all three scored.”

The fixture pitted Alonso against his former Real Madrid and Spain teammate Álvaro Arbeloa, who was also taking charge of Fulham for the first time.

“We deserved a little bit more but football is not about what you deserve, it’s about what you take,” a disappointed Arbeloa said, although he added that he was pleased with his players’ attitude.

“This is how we’re going to play no matter who is in front of us.”

Both men managed Real Madrid at different stages last season before moving to England after being relieved of their duties at the Santiago Bernabéu. In an entertaining contest at Craven Cottage, Alonso emerged with the victory.

Chelsea have spent more than £300 million (US$408 million) on new players and are among the early favourites to challenge defending champions Arsenal.