Only two of Chelsea’s nine first-team summer signings started at Craven Cottage, but they happened to be the most expensive acquisitions and the two “ready-made starters” the club had pledged to target ahead of Alonso’s debut season as manager.
Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix arrived at Stamford Bridge as proven Premier League performers, signed for chunky premiums that reflected their value to contribute immediately.
Lacroix, bought from Crystal Palace to bring leadership and physicality to Chelsea’s back line, won two booming headers in the first three minutes, one of which directly led to Joao Pedro’s opening goal.
Considering his limited involvement in preseason, Rogers dovetailed brilliantly with Palmer and Joao Pedro in a fierce but smart high press, nipping in to win the ball back high up the pitch on numerous occasions. His strength and ability to drive the ball added a different dimension to the front three, and he contributed the little things as well as rising in the big moments.
