Palmer in form means ‘a better Chelsea’ – Alonso
Xabi Alonso was pleased to see Cole Palmer back in form as Chelsea made a winning start to their season and the Spaniard’s reign as manager.
Palmer scored and was outstanding in the Blues’ 3-2 win against Fulham in a lively west London derby at Craven Cottage.
Having been hampered by injury problems, he looked back to his best – much to the delight of new boss Alonso.
Alonso said: “I’m pretty happy for Cole, because I have really enjoyed seeing him playing with this dynamism, with this freedom, with this responsibility, helping the team, feeling important. And we need that for the team.
“If Cole feels this way, we will have a better team, a better Chelsea, so I’m happy for him that he has enjoyed his game. You could see that.”
“A better Chelsea” with Palmer at his best – Alonso#cfc pic.twitter.com/stHSInDGco
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Chelsea’s other attacking players also impressed, with Morgan Rogers – on his debut – and Joao Pedro also scoring.
“I am happy for the three of them. They’ve played for the team and they scored,” said Alonso.
“They need to lead the rest, to inspire the rest, because if they do great, then the other ones will follow.”
The Blues were less convincing at the other end of the pitch, though, with Robert Sanchez, so often at fault last season, found wanting again.
The keeper should have done better for both Fulham goals, but Alonso was keen not to blame him.
“It’s not about individuals. The first goal, we can do better to defend and avoid that,” Alonso said.
