Fulham 2-3 Chelsea LIVE – Palmer leads Chelsea to victory in Alonso’s first game in charge

“They are going to be a very important part of the team. To build around them? No. To build a team with them. They need to take responsibility, they need to lead the rest, inspire the rest, because if they do great, the other ones will follow.”

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso: “I think it’s a performance to build for the future, improve things for sure, but it’s a good first game.”

Rogers on his team-mate Palmer: “Everyone knows how good he is. He obviously had a difficult year last year with injuries.

“You can see in his eyes in pre-season and in training that he’s ready this year and ready to prove people wrong.

“Best player on the pitch by a mile.”

“To feel that affection in the first game (from the fans) and to score is a really nice moment.”

Cole Palmer is asked in his post-match interview how ready he feels for this season after an injury disrupted last campaign and missing out on a World Cup spot.

“Did you not watch the game?” he jokingly replies.

Full time at Craven Cottage and Chelsea hold on to beat Fulham 3-2 to secure a win in Xabi Alonso’s first game in charge.

Muniz tries his luck from range but his effort is saved by Sanchez.

Pedro Neto goes for goal from a tight angle but his effort hits the side netting.

Four more minutes left in this one.

Pedro thinks he’s scored Chelsea’s fourth goal of the game, but Geovany Quenda was offside in the build-up.

Not long left for Chelsea to secure the win. They’re even holding the ball in the corner.

Correction: Timothy Castagne has now been booked for the foul on Levi Colwill.

Sanchez denies Sessegnon from close range. Fulham continue to press for the leveller.

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are replaced by Estevao and Geovany Quenda.

Rodrigo Muniz replaces Antonee Robinson.

Antonee Robinson almost gets Fulham’s equaliser, but his chipped effort goes wide.

Calvin Bassey is shown a yellow card for simulation.

Pedro Neto replaces Malo Gusto.

Reece James is shown a yellow card for pulling back Josh King.

Cesar Palacios and Sander Berge are replaced by Kevin and Ryan Sessegnon.

King almost brings Fulham level, but his effort goes just wide of the post.

Fulham fans are making their feelings known to Enzo Fernandez.

A lot of boos from the home supporters.

Oscar Bobb is replaced by Shea Charles.

Enzo Fernandez and Pep Chavarría replace Jorrel Hato and Romeo Lavia.