Alonso: Chelsea can be built around attacking trio
Chelsea defeated Fulham 3-2 in a Premier League London derby. After his debut league win, Blues coach Xabi Alonso highlighted the roles of Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer. According to Channel NewsAsia, citing Reuters, the Spanish specialist said the team can be built around this attacking trio.
According to Alonso, the footballers must take responsibility, lead their teammates and inspire the rest of the team with their play.
Goals by Pedro, Rogers and Palmer
Joao Pedro opened the scoring after just 31 seconds, converting a pass from Palmer. In the 41st minute, Morgan Rogers restored Chelsea’s lead by scoring in his debut match for the club after joining from Aston Villa. The source describes the transfer as a record one for Chelsea.
At the start of the second half, Pedro assisted Palmer, who made it 3-1 for the visitors with an angled shot between the legs of Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
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Fulham retained their chances
Fulham responded with goals from Josh King and Gonzalo Garcia and kept the contest alive until the final whistle. Antonee Robinson could have equalised, but missed Robert Sanchez’s goal while trying to chip the goalkeeper.
Chelsea had 18 shots, six of them on target. Alonso also praised Palmer for his dynamic and free play. Palmer had injury problems last season, while Chelsea finished the championship in 10th place.
Fulham coach Alvaro Arbeloa noted that the early conceded goal made the task more difficult for his team. At the same time, he praised the players for following the plan with energetic high pressing and said the team would play in this style regardless of the opponent.
