Chelsea survived a fierce Fulham response to claim a 3-2 Premier League victory at Craven Cottage on Monday night, beginning their season with three points after a breathless five-goal London derby.

The visitors could scarcely have wished for a sharper start. João Pedro struck after just 1 minute, immediately putting Chelsea in control and quietening a packed Craven Cottage crowd of 27,461.

Fulham, though, grew into the match and were rewarded in the 23rd minute when Josh King found the equaliser. Marco Silva’s side had the greater share of possession, finishing with 61.3 percent of the ball, and looked increasingly capable of turning territorial control into a result.

Chelsea carried the greater cutting edge. Morgan Rogers restored the visitors’ lead in the 41st minute, sending them into the interval 2-1 ahead, before Cole Palmer extended the advantage four minutes after the restart. Palmer’s goal in the 49th minute looked to have given Chelsea crucial breathing room.

Fulham refused to fold. Gonzalo García headed home in the 54th minute to make it 3-2 and ensure a tense final half-hour, with the home side pressing for a deserved equaliser. Fulham forced six corners and registered six shots on target, matching Chelsea’s total on target, but could not find the final goal their pressure demanded.

Chelsea were more direct and productive in the final third, recording 18 shots to Fulham’s 14 despite seeing less of the ball. Their three goals came from a sharp attacking display at a time when transfer speculation around the club continues to dominate wider Premier League discussion.

The Blues managed the closing stages despite yellow cards for Reece James and earlier cautions for Levi Colwill and Roméo Lavia. Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and Timothy Castagne were also booked as the derby’s intensity rose late on.

For Chelsea, it is an encouraging opening-day result built on attacking efficiency. Fulham will take heart from the quality of their response, but are left empty-handed after a committed display in front of their own supporters.

Goals

  • 1′ — João Pedro (Chelsea)
  • 23′ — Josh King (Fulham)
  • 41′ — Morgan Rogers (Chelsea)
  • 49′ — Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
  • 54′ — Gonzalo García (Fulham)

Next fixtures: Fulham face Sunderland on Sunday, August 30, while Chelsea host Brighton & Hove Albion on the same day.