Chelsea takes lead against Fulham with Morgan Rogers goal in Xabi Alonso’s debut

Morgan Rogers picked the perfect moment to justify his price tag. The £117 million man, Chelsea’s marquee summer signing from Aston Villa, scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2026, giving new head coach Xabi Alonso a victory in his first competitive match in charge. The goal came courtesy of an assist from Maxence Lacroix, another fresh face in Chelsea’s overhauled squad. Lacroix, signed from Crystal Palace for approximately £52 million, showed exactly why the club invested so heavily in the defender by creating the decisive moment from a position most center-backs rarely occupy. Two debutants, one winning formula Both Rogers and Lacroix were making their full debuts for Chelsea. Rogers operated in an advanced attacking role, constantly probing Fulham’s backline, while Lacroix anchored the defense. The price of ambition Rogers’ transfer fee of £117 million makes him the most expensive British player in history. Lacroix’s £52 million fee, while dwarfed by Rogers’ record-breaking move, represents a significant investment in a single defender. Combined, Chelsea spent roughly £169 million on just two players this summer. Rogers arrived from Ast...