Winning start to life at Chelsea for Xabi Alonso after win over Fulham

Xabi Alonso made a winning start to life as Chelsea manager in a chaotic 3-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.It took only 31 seconds for Joao Pedro’s goal to bring the visitors’ new era to life, but despite an attacking display that was scintillating at times, plenty still remained of the defensive frailties that have undermined this team in the recent past.Robert Sanchez’s hopeless attempt to keep out Josh King’s first-half equaliser was a reminder of areas of the pitch where Chelsea remain weak despite spending around £350million this summer.Xabi Alonso on the touchline (John Walton/PA) That outlay included a record £117m lavished on Morgan Rogers. The England forward enjoyed an encouraging debut capped with a slotted finish to make it 2-1 before the break, then Cole Palmer, arguably C