It wasn't quite a statement win for Chelsea as they saw off Fulham 2-3 on Monday evening but there are some extremely encouraging signs for Xabi Alonso and Blues fans. No more so than with the brilliant front three Alonso at his disposal, with the highlight perhaps being the return to form of Cole Palmer.
Fulham came out in the second half looking to take the game to Chelsea and at times they rattled Alonso's side.
However, Chelsea clung on and took a very well earned three points.
Manager rating (out of 10)
Xabi Alonso, 8 -- A perfect start to life as a Premier League manager for the Spaniard. He harnessed the quality in Chelsea's attack and allowed them to show their fluidity with his setup. As expected a few players still need to adapt to the system but overall it's encouraging signs. Alonso won't be happy with how Fulham were allowed back into the game second half though and much more improvement is needed in midfield if they are to control games.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)
GK Robert Sánchez, 3 -- Disappointing throughout and should've done a lot better on the goal. Prior to that he looked unsteady and it felt an error was inevitable. Big question marks will remain whether he's Alonso's No. 1 going forward.
CB Josh Acheampong, 7 -- Made some crucial blocks and clearances while he also provided a good level of cover for his other defenders. An encouraging start for him in the back three.
CB Maxence Lacroix, 7 -- Handled his 1v1's well and even managed to support the attack, driving forward and showing his technique in the build-up to both goals. Seemed to relish his battles with Garcia in the Fulham attack and showed signs of being a very good buy for Chelsea.
CB Levi Colwill, 5 -- Struggled at times getting to grips with his role and was caught napping on several occasions. He was particularly poor on Fulham's second goal and needs to have more awareness of what is going on around him.
RW Malo Gusto, 5 -- Made no real impression on the game and was unable to rampage forward as he so often likes to. Alonso needs energy from this position and the Frenchman failed to provide it here.
CM Reece James, 7 -- Had some nice touches and was quietly influential through midfield. Likely steps back into his wide role sooner rather-than-later but didn't let anyone down here.
CM Romeo Lavia, 7 -- Great to see him back on the field after such terrible injury luck. This was a good case put forward by Lavia to make sure he's part of Alonso's midfield setup moving forward. The only mark against him was a poor tackle early on but he navigated the yellow card tightrope well.
LW Jorrel Hato, 6 -- Generally ineffective when attacking and shaky at times when defending. It will be interesting to see if Alonso finds a role for him at CB on the left side as he didn't get to grips with the role as a wide player.
AM Cole Palmer, 9 -- Back to his brilliant best. The quick feet, passing and vision were all there as Palmer tore Fulham apart over and over again. Hugely encouraging signs for Alonso and Chelsea in general.
AM Morgan Rogers, 8 -- Looks at home right away and linked up well with Palmer especially. Took his goal well to open his Premier League account with Chelsea and more will be expected.
CF João Pedro, 8 -- Brazil's decision to leave the striker at home during the World Cup looks even more absurd. The striker, handed the number nine shirt, was an energetic presence leading the line and dropped off to link up well when required.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
Enzo Fernández for Romeo Lavia, 7 -- Showed some nice touches after coming on and handled the booing well. His future is up in the air but make no mistake Chelsea's midfield is better with Enzo's quality rather than without it. It's going to be an interesting last few days of the window for the midfielder.
Pep Chavarría for Jorrel Hato, 6 -- Didn't really get into the game besides a few decent runs to support the attack.
Pedro Neto (on 76, Gusto), N/A
Geovany Quenda (on 82, Rogers), N/A
Estêvão (on 83, Palmer), N/A