---
title: "Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham: Palmer shines, Sanchez gets 4"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/24/chelsea-player-ratings-vs-fulham-palmer-shines-sanchez-gets-4/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2026-08-24T21:20:06Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T18:12:34Z"
---

# Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham: Palmer shines, Sanchez gets 4

**Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham after Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers secured a thrilling 3-2 victory in Xabi Alonso’s first Premier League match.**

Palmer produced a goal and an assist, [Joao Pedro](https://readchelsea.com/tag/joao-pedro/) scored after 31 seconds and Rogers marked his competitive debut with a goal.

Robert Sanchez endured a far less convincing evening, with mistakes contributing to both Fulham goals.

[FotMob named Palmer player of the match](https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/matches/chelsea-vs-fulham/2s2omg), awarding the Chelsea playmaker a 9.1 rating.

> A goal for Morgan Rogers on his Chelsea debut! 🔵 [pic.twitter.com/hphe8y077v](https://t.co/hphe8y077v)
>
> — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) [August 24, 2026](https://x.com/SkySportsPL/status/2091974870020075721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham: Goalkeeper and defence

**Robert Sanchez — 4/10**

Beaten at his near post by Josh King before pushing Timothy Castagne’s effort into Gonzalo Garcia’s path. Made a late save from Ryan Sessegnon, but two costly mistakes cannot be ignored.

**Josh Acheampong — 7/10**

An assured performance on the right side of Chelsea’s back three. Justified Alonso’s faith after his [surprise inclusion in the starting XI](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/24/chelsea-xi-vs-fulham-caicedo-absent-as-acheampong-starts/), although Sessegnon troubled him late on.

**Maxence Lacroix — 8/10**

An impressive competitive debut capped by a brilliant assist for Rogers. Stepped confidently into midfield and showed why Alonso wanted his experience at the centre of the defence.

**Levi Colwill — 5/10**

Booked after five minutes and looked uncomfortable whenever Fulham increased the tempo. Another risky challenge on King before the interval highlighted an unnecessarily anxious display.

**Malo Gusto — 6/10**

Provided energy and width down the right without consistently producing the decisive final ball. Replaced by Pedro Neto after 76 minutes.

**Jorrel Hato — 6/10**

Offered a useful outlet on the left and almost created another chance for Rogers. Had difficult moments defensively before making way for Pep Chavarria.

## Palmer and Joao Pedro lead Chelsea attack

**Reece James — 7/10**

Handled his midfield responsibilities effectively and provided leadership when the match became stretched. Picked up a second-half booking but helped Chelsea protect their advantage.

**Romeo Lavia — 7/10**

Progressive and composed in possession despite collecting an early yellow card. Forced a good save from Bernd Leno and helped compensate for Moises Caicedo’s absence.

**Cole Palmer — 9/10**

Outstanding. Created Joao Pedro’s opener, started the move for Rogers’ goal and scored the eventual winner. [His composed finish through Leno’s legs](https://www.skysports.com/football/video/12606/13576791/goal-c-palmer-49-fulham-1-3-chelsea) capped a genuine match-winning performance.

**Morgan Rogers — 8/10**

A confident first competitive appearance following his £117million move. Linked effectively with Palmer and arrived perfectly to [score his debut Chelsea goal](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/24/chelseas-117m-morgan-rogers-scores-debut-goal-against-fulham-watch/).

**Joao Pedro — 9/10**

Scored after 31 seconds with a composed finish before producing a perfectly weighted assist for Palmer. Chelsea’s new No.9 provided movement, intelligent link-up play and a constant attacking threat.

## Chelsea substitute ratings

**Enzo Fernandez — 6/10**

Introduced after 65 minutes and helped Chelsea manage a difficult spell as Fulham pushed for an equaliser.

**Pep Chavarria — 6/10**

Replaced Hato after 65 minutes and brought fresh energy to the left flank during a demanding closing period.

**Pedro Neto — 6/10**

Added pace after replacing Gusto in the 76th minute and offered Chelsea an outlet on the counterattack.

**Geovany Quenda — N/A**

Replaced Rogers in the 82nd minute. Too little time to warrant a full rating.

**Estevao — N/A**

Introduced for Palmer in the 83rd minute as Chelsea focused on protecting their lead.

**Xabi Alonso — 7/10**

His attacking structure produced three excellent goals, and all three forwards scored. However, conceding twice and allowing Fulham 62 per cent possession exposed issues that still need work.