Xabi Alonso hails Palmer and Rogers’ early Chelsea partnership
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso believes Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are turning a long-standing friendship into an early attacking advantage, with the pair making an immediate impact following Rogers’ record-breaking arrival from Aston Villa.
Palmer and Rogers build an early connection
Rogers has settled quickly after completing a club-record £117 million ($158m) move from Villa, producing two goals and four assists across his first five Chelsea appearances. Palmer has begun the season with four goals and one assist, with João Pedro also providing an important link at the head of Chelsea’s attack.
Both Palmer and Rogers are 24 and previously played together for England’s youth sides and Manchester City’s academy teams. Alonso said that established relationship had been important before Rogers joined the club, with Palmer involved in helping the move come together.
Alonso said the pair were already closely connected before becoming club team-mates and that their relationship away from matches has helped them understand each other quickly on the pitch. He added that Rogers has adapted rapidly, is enjoying his football and has developed a strong connection with the wider squad.
- Rogers: two goals and four assists in five Chelsea appearances.
- Palmer: four goals and one assist this season.
- João Pedro has formed part of the same forward unit.
- Palmer and Rogers previously shared dressing rooms in England youth football and at Manchester City.
Leeds comeback underlines Chelsea’s attacking options
The partnership was particularly evident in Chelsea’s 6-3 Carabao Cup victory over Leeds in midweek. Chelsea were 2-0 down at half-time before Palmer and Rogers entered as substitutes and helped drive the turnaround.
Palmer scored twice, one from the penalty spot, while Rogers was officially credited with three assists. The former Villa forward jokingly argued that he should have received a fourth, and later questioned Palmer being awarded man of the match.
Alonso welcomed the light-hearted disagreement, saying it was positive that both players felt they had done enough to deserve the individual award. He stressed that each player enjoys the other’s contribution and that Chelsea had hoped their understanding would develop, although the speed of its emergence has been encouraging.
Hull present a demanding Stamford Bridge test
Chelsea return to Premier League action at Stamford Bridge on Saturday against newly promoted Hull City, who have made an unbeaten start with two wins and a draw. Hull are third in the table, one point and one place above Chelsea, and have not conceded in their opening three league fixtures.
| Team | League position | Points gap | Opening record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hull City | 3rd | One point ahead of Chelsea | Two wins, one draw, no goals conceded |
| Chelsea | 4th | One point behind Hull | Lost 2-1 at Arsenal last week |
Hull coach Sergej Jakirovic joked that kicking Chelsea would be the way to halt their attacking play. Alonso, however, expects a disciplined opponent with belief after their strong opening to the campaign.
Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by champions Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, but Alonso said his players would approach Hull with the same level of respect. He praised Jakirovic’s work and warned that Chelsea would need to perform at their best to take the points.
Neto commits his future to Chelsea
Elsewhere, winger Pedro Neto has signed a new six-year Chelsea contract that will keep him at the club until 2032.
The 26-year-old Portugal international joined from Wolves in 2024 and has recorded 21 goals and 19 assists in 108 appearances for Chelsea. Neto said he has already enjoyed important moments both personally and collectively, and wants to create many more as the squad pursues further success.
