Alonso’s calm after Chelsea’s shaky start at Fulham

Chelsea secured a 3‑0 Premier League victory at Fulham, giving Xabi Alonso’s side a winning start, but goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s errors prompted the Spaniard‑born manager to urge the 28‑year‑old to ‘relax and carry on’ as the Blues look to build momentum.

Goalkeeper mistakes dominate post‑match talk

Sanchez conceded a weak strike from Josh King before parrying a shot by Fulham’s £34 million summer signing from Real Madrid, Gonzalo Garcia, who headed the rebound into the net. The two goals highlighted the goalkeeper’s shaky night and sparked debate over how far the Blues can go with the 28‑year‑old Spaniard in goal.

Later, Antonee Robinson failed to lob Sanchez for an equaliser after the keeper charged out of his area, leaving Sanchez fortunate to avoid another concession. Alonso later noted that the mistake was part of the game and that the team must learn from it.

Alonso puts team first

When asked about Sanchez, Alonso said: ‘It’s about the team, it’s not about the individual… we need to accept and learn. This is going to be a process.’ He added that every line – strikers, midfielders, defence and goalkeepers – must improve, urging the squad to relax and carry on.

Xabi Alonso explains Enzo Fernandez omission as Chelsea skip Luton

Goals from the fearsome front three – Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer – ensured Chelsea’s win at Craven Cottage against Alvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham. The trio’s finishing gave the Blues a comfortable margin and a positive start for Alonso’s tenure.

Enzo Fernandez entered as a second‑half substitute, drawing boos from Fulham fans who chanted ‘England, England’ while Chelsea supporters sang his name. Alonso remarked that he is not surprised by any speculation surrounding Fernandez and will see what happens this week.

Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa said his side conceded early, at the end of the first half and early in the second, calling the goals ‘easy’ for Chelsea. He praised his players’ character and personality, insisting they deserved more but must improve readiness in the opening minutes.

Chelsea have insisted throughout the summer that they are happy with the goalkeeper set‑up, naming Sanchez as No 1 and 21‑year‑old Belgian Mike Penders as his understudy. The report was filed by KIERAN GILL of MAIL on 24 August 2026.