Soccer
Fulham vs. Chelsea player ratings: Palmer leads Blues to derby victory
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Cole Palmer orchestrated Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage with direct involvement in all three goals, setting the tone for Xabi Alonso's Premier League reign.
João Pedro's first-minute strike gave the visitors an immediate advantage they never fully relinquished, with Josh King's equaliser and Gonzalo García's second-half header only briefly stemming Chelsea's momentum.
A frantic London derby delivered five goals, but Palmer's 49th-minute finish through Bernd Leno's legs proved the decisive blow.
DAZN News rates each set of players and our player of the match:
Fulham vs. Chelsea Player of the Match
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Cole Palmer was the defining figure in Chelsea's victory at Craven Cottage.
He provided the assist for João Pedro's first-minute opener, initiated the move that led to Morgan Rogers' goal before half-time, and scored the crucial third himself four minutes into the second half.
His finish through Bernd Leno's legs extended Chelsea's lead at a vital moment after Fulham had fought back to level terms.
Palmer's dribbling and vision consistently troubled Fulham's defence before his withdrawal in the 83rd minute with the result secured.
Fulham vs. Chelsea Player Ratings
Fulham
Bernd Leno (6.5): Made three saves but could do little about the goals conceded.
Timothy Castagne (6.5): Involved in King's equaliser and delivered dangerous crosses throughout.
Calvin Bassey (6.4): Led the backline capably but booked for simulation inside the area.
Jorge Cuenca (6.5): Crucial block on João Pedro's shot; distributed well from deep.
Antonee Robinson (6.4): Offered attacking threat but missed a clear chance with a failed chip.
Sander Berge (6.5): Helped circulation in midfield before being withdrawn in the 73rd minute.
Alex Iwobi (6.4): Kept possession moving under pressure without producing decisive actions.
Josh King (7.7): Scored the equaliser and remained Fulham's most dangerous threat throughout.
Oscar Bobb (6.5): Won the early foul that earned Colwill a booking; lively before exit.
César Palacios (6.3): Shot wide from the edge of the area; limited decisive moments.
Gonzalo García (7.3): Headed in the rebound to give Fulham hope with a poacher's finish.
Shea Charles (6.2): Steady positional work after coming on; no standout individual moments.
Ryan Sessegnon (6.4): Tested Sánchez with a driven shot; added pace down the left.
Kevin (6.2): Made runs at defenders but limited impact in his brief appearance.
Rodrigo Muniz (6.2): Had a late shot saved; insufficient time to make meaningful impact.
Chelsea
Robert Sánchez (7.0): Made four saves to protect the lead as Fulham pushed late.
Josh Acheampong (6.5): Blended into the team structure; solid without standout moments.
Maxence Lacroix (7.1): Advanced to assist Rogers' goal; won aerial duels throughout.
Levi Colwill (6.3): Early booking for fouling Bobb forced a more cautious display.
Malo Gusto (6.6): Offered width on the right and supported Palmer's threat effectively.
Reece James (6.7): Captained well and tested Leno but picked up a 75th-minute booking.
Roméo Lavia (6.4): Close-range shot saved by Leno; early booking led to 65th-minute withdrawal.
Jorrel Hato (6.5): Headed pass set up Lavia's chance; steady before his substitution.
Cole Palmer (8.7): Involved in all three goals; assist, key pass, and decisive finish.
Morgan Rogers (7.5): Scored the second goal with a tap-in after Lacroix's cutback.
João Pedro (8.2): Opened the scoring inside a minute and set up Palmer's third.
Enzo Fernández (6.5): Helped manage the game calmly after entering in the 65th minute.
Pep Chavarría (6.3): Slotted in at left-back and maintained defensive shape in closing stages.
Pedro Neto (6.5): Added pace and directness off the bench; shot hit the side netting.
Geovany Quenda (6.2): Had a late shot saved by Leno during his brief cameo.
Estêvão (6.1): Minimal time to influence after a very late 83rd-minute appearance.
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