Xabi Alonso enjoyed a memorable Premier League debut with Chelsea as the Blues made history just 31 seconds into their dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham.

Xabi Alonso needed just 31 seconds to see Chelsea make Premier League history

Xabi Alonso could hardly have asked for a more spectacular start to his Premier League career with Chelsea.

Just 31 seconds into the Blues’ 3-2 victory over Fulham, João Pedro raced onto Cole Palmer’s pass and fired Chelsea into the lead.

The goal did more than give Alonso the perfect start. It also created a piece of Premier League history.

Chelsea make history after just 31 seconds

João Pedro’s strike was the fastest goal ever scored during the opening round of a Premier League season.

It meant Chelsea had set a new competition record less than a minute into Alonso’s first Premier League match as manager.

The early goal immediately offered supporters a glimpse of the attacking football Alonso hopes to build at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso wins his first Premier League game

The afternoon was not straightforward for Chelsea, with Fulham twice threatening to spoil Alonso’s debut.

However, goals from João Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer eventually secured a dramatic 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage.

The result also ended Chelsea’s three-season run without a victory in their opening Premier League fixture.

Chelsea’s new attack immediately delivers

Alonso was particularly encouraged by the relationship between Palmer, João Pedro and Rogers.

Palmer assisted the record-breaking opener before finding the net himself, while João Pedro also provided an assist and Rogers scored on his Premier League debut for Chelsea.

After the game, Alonso suggested Chelsea’s attacking stars are capable of producing “special things” when they receive the ball in dangerous areas.

A historic beginning to the Alonso era

Chelsea still showed defensive weaknesses and were forced to survive a nervous finish after Fulham reduced the deficit to 3-2.

Alonso admitted there remains plenty of work to do as he continues shaping his new team.

But the first chapter of his Premier League journey could hardly have produced a more memorable statistic.

It took only 31 seconds for Chelsea to make Premier League history under Xabi Alonso, and the new era at Stamford Bridge has already started with a victory.