Chelsea Edge Seven-Goal Derby Thriller At Fulham

Pedro's flying start sets up an early Chelsea lead

Chelsea needed just 31 seconds to open the scoring at Craven Cottage, with Joao Pedro racing onto a Cole Palmer pass and lobbing goalkeeper Bernd Leno for what Opta later confirmed as the quickest goal ever scored on the opening day of a Premier League season.

Fulham hit back midway through the first half when Josh King's low strike beat Robert Sanchez at the near post in the 23rd minute, leveling the score at 1-1. Chelsea restored their lead just before the interval when debutant Morgan Rogers converted from close range in the 41st minute to make it 2-1 at half-time.

Palmer and Garcia trade goals after the break

Cole Palmer doubled Chelsea's advantage in the 49th minute, finishing through Leno's legs after a driving run into the box, before Fulham responded five minutes later when Gonzalo Garcia, on his Premier League debut, converted from close range after Sanchez failed to hold Timothy Castagne's shot.

Fulham pushed for a leveler in the closing stages but could not find a third goal, and Chelsea held on to win 3-2.

A record-breaking start and a defensive worry for Sanchez

Rogers became the first Chelsea player to create five chances on his Premier League debut for the club since the 2003-04 season, according to Opta.

Robert Sanchez was involved in the buildup to both Fulham goals, and Chelsea will look to tighten up defensively after an afternoon in which Fulham had 61% of possession and out-shot Chelsea 14 to 18 in total attempts, per the match's official stats.

Cole Palmer was named man of the match after registering a goal, an assist, five completed dribbles and five shots.

What's next

Fulham face AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup in midweek before returning to league action away at Sunderland on Sunday, while Chelsea play Luton Town in the EFL Cup second round before facing Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League at the weekend.