24/08/2026
FIVE THINGS TO LEARN FROM CHELSEA'S 3-2 WIN AT CRAVEN COTTAGE
Chelsea got the three points, but this was not the kind of victory that should make anyone forget the problems. A 3-2 win over Fulham is a good way to start the season, but the performance also showed areas Xabi Alonso must fix quickly.
1. The attack is looking promising
Scoring three goals away from home is a positive sign.
Joao Pedro needed just seconds to announce himself, Morgan Rogers scored on his debut and Cole Palmer also got on the scoresheet. There is quality in this Chelsea attack, and when the front players combine properly, Chelsea can hurt teams.
The prospect is exciting. This team can score goals.
But scoring three does not mean everything is fine.
2. Robert Sanchez is becoming a liability
Let's be honest, Chelsea cannot continue making life difficult for themselves because of goalkeeper mistakes.
Sanchez was involved in Fulham's first goal and was also at fault for the second. Both moments gave Fulham a way back into a game Chelsea should have been controlling.
This is becoming a serious concern.
You can have the best attack in the league, but if your goalkeeper keeps giving opponents cheap goals, na problem be that.
Chelsea need to seriously consider bringing in a new goalkeeper before the window closes.
3. The defence is still not convincing
The defensive structure looked good at times, but when Fulham started putting pressure on Chelsea, there were too many loose balls and second balls that Chelsea failed to win.
That is something Alonso must work on.
You cannot expect to control every minute of a Premier League game. There will be moments when you have to fight, clear your lines and win the dirty balls.
Against a better team, those small mistakes can become big problems.
4. Chelsea still have a mentality problem to solve
Chelsea took the lead very early, allowed Fulham back in, took the lead again and then allowed Fulham to pull another goal back.
The good thing is