# Alvaro Arbeloa's management of Fulham FC > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alvaro-arbeloas-management-of-fulham-fc > Updated: 2026-08-26T09:41:44.000Z. Sources: 225. Developments: 7. Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa made his Premier League debut in a West London derby against Chelsea at Craven Cottage on August 24, marking the start of the 2026-27 season. The match featured a notable managerial reunion between former Real Madrid teammates Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso, who made his debut for Chelsea following the club’s 10th-place finish last season. Chelsea secured a 3-2 victory with goals from Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers, and Cole Palmer. Pedro’s strike, occurring just 31 seconds into the match, set a new Premier League record for the fastest goal in an opening round. Rogers, a £117 million signing from Aston Villa, also scored on his debut. Fulham remained competitive through goals from Josh King and debutant Gonzalo Garcia, aided by defensive errors from Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. While Alonso praised his team’s attacking quality as ‘special’, the victory has drawn scrutiny regarding Chelsea’s defensive stability. Former Chelsea players have criticized Sanchez’s performance, with Frank Lebouef noting that the goalkeeper’s mistakes ‘undermine the team’s offensive success’. Additionally, former midfielder Emmanuel Petit suggested the club should seek a replacement for Sanchez before the transfer window closes. ## Claims - Chelsea defeated Fulham 3-2 in their Premier League season opener. (corroborated by 7 sources) - João Pedro scored for Chelsea within the first minute of the match. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Morgan Rogers scored on his competitive debut for Chelsea. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Cole Palmer scored a goal for Chelsea during the match. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Joshua King scored for Fulham. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Gonzalo Garcia scored for Fulham. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Xabi Alonso made his debut as Chelsea manager with a win. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Chelsea defeated Fulham 3-2 in their Premier League opener. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Xabi Alonso secured a win in his debut as Chelsea manager. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Joao Pedro scored for Chelsea in the 31st second of the match. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Josh King scored for Fulham in the 23rd minute. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Morgan Rogers scored for Chelsea in the 41st minute. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: Chelsea defeat Fulham 3-2 in Xabi Alonso's managerial debut Xabi Alonso won his first match as Chelsea manager with a 3-2 victory over Fulham, though goalkeeper Robert Sanchez faced criticism for errors during the game. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chelsea-defeat-fulham-3-2-in-xabi-alonsos-managerial-debut-1 ### 2026-08-24: Chelsea wins 3-2 against Fulham as Morgan Rogers scores on debut Morgan Rogers marked his £117 million Chelsea debut with a goal in a 3-2 Premier League win over Fulham, highlighting a successful new attacking partnership with Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chelsea-wins-3-2-against-fulham-as-morgan-rogers-scores-on-debut ### 2026-08-24: Moises Caicedo to miss Chelsea's Premier League opener against Fulham Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo will miss the Premier League opener against Fulham due to physical setbacks, according to manager Xabi Alonso. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moises-caicedo-to-miss-chelseas-premier-league-opener-against-fulham ### 2026-08-24: Chelsea defeat Fulham 3-2 in Xabi Alonso's Premier League debut Chelsea began the Xabi Alonso era with a 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham, featuring goals from Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers, and Cole Palmer. 115 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chelsea-defeat-fulham-3-2-in-xabi-alonsos-managerial-debut ### 2026-08-23: Fulham enters new era under manager Alvaro Arbeloa Fulham FC begins a new era under manager Alvaro Arbeloa, transitioning from the Marco Silva era with a focus on a high-energy, pressing tactical style. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fulham-enters-new-era-under-manager-alvaro-arbeloa ### 2026-08-21: Chelsea defeat Fulham 3-2 in Premier League opener Chelsea defeated Fulham 3-2 in their Premier League opener under new manager Xabi Alonso, featuring goals from João Pedro, Morgan Rogers, and Cole Palmer in a high-stakes London derby. 128 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chelsea-and-fulham-face-off-in-premier-league-london-derby ### 2026-08-09: Fulham targets Real Madrid and Barcelona players Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa is pursuing Spanish talents Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid and Hector Fort from Barcelona to bolster his Premier League squad. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fulham-targets-real-madrid-and-barcelona-players --- Cite as: Alvaro Arbeloa's management of Fulham FC. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alvaro-arbeloas-management-of-fulham-fc