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Robert Sanchez: A poor early kick handed Fulham a corner. He should have kept out King’s near-post equaliser, and his initial save for Fulham’s second was pushed into danger for Garcia to finish. Rating: 3
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Josh Acheampong: The 20-year-old made a strong double clearance and block on 27 minutes and was steady overall. Rating: 6
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Maxence Lacroix: Played a key role in both of Chelsea’s first two goals—his headed clearance sparked the opener, and a burst down the right with a cut-back set up Rogers. Rating: 7
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Levi Colwill: An early error saw him lucky to see only yellow for bringing down Bobb. Also shared blame for Fulham’s second after failing to deal with a deep cross. Rating: 5
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Malo Gusto: A surprise pick at wing-back given Chelsea’s injuries; his passing was uncertain at times. Rating: 5
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Romeo Lavia: Booked early for a late challenge on Bassey, but improved as the game went on, nearly scoring from a corner and circulating the ball well. Rating: 5
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Reece James: Had a scuffed first-half effort saved, then grew into the match and helped Chelsea take control. Rating: 6
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Jorrel Hato: Adjusted well to an unfamiliar wing-back role, showing an encouraging early dribble. Rating: 6
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Cole Palmer: The standout performer—inventive, strong on the ball, produced several brilliant runs, and netted a fine third. Looked revitalized after the summer. Rating: 9
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Morgan Rogers: Excellent debut. Pressed with energy, had a shot blocked, slipped in Joao Pedro, and finished at the far post for Chelsea’s second. Rating: 8
- Joao Pedro: Scored after just 31 seconds with a deft lift over Leno, then used Fulham’s high line smartly to tee up Palmer. Rating: 8
Subs:
- Enzo Fernandez (65, for Lavia): Booed by the home crowd and perhaps wouldn’t have played if Caicedo were fit, yet he kept play ticking and competed well. Rating: 6
- Pep Chavarria (65, for Hato): Mostly defending in his brief debut and made little impact. Rating: 5
- Pedro Neto (76, for Gusto): Rating: 5
- Geovany Quenda (82, for Rogers): Rating: 5
- Estevao (83, for Palmer): Rating: 5
Subs not used: Penders, Barco, Gittens, Welbeck.