Chelsea win their first opening clash in the Premier League in four seasons as their new look front line put Fulham to the sword.
Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Morgan Rogers were on song, but poor goalkeeping from Robert Sanchez denied Chelsea a healthier goal margin in their 3-2 victory over crosstown neighbours Fulham.
Xabi Alonso rolled out his famed back three formation, and Arbeloa fielded his preferred 4-2-3-1, which handed interesting roles to Super Eagles duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey.
Bassey, wearing the captain’s band after Arbeloa expressed his trust in him, played unconventionally at right centre-back, filling the absence of Joachim Anderson.
Iwobi, on the other hand, was tasked with dropping between the defence to help the Cottagers build up from behind, as Isaac Cuenca failed to be as authoritative in bringing out the ball from left centre-back as Bassey could.
Arbeloa’s side made a good account of themselves but were overpowered by a devastating attack whose performance 2.3 kilometres away from Stamford Bridge sent a strong message to title rivals.
