Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHarry Latham-CoyleThursday 27 August 2026 14:09 BSTPalmer was on top form against Fulham (Getty)Cole Palmer has revealed that Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso has granted him greater tactical freedom to drift across the pitch, which directly contributed to his goal in their opening match.The 24-year-old forward enjoyed an impressive start to the Premier League season by both scoring and assisting during Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday night.Palmer's resurgence follows a challenging previous campaign burdened by form and fitness struggles that saw him miss England's World Cup squad while Chelsea finished 10th overall.Alonso took charge of Chelsea at the start of the summer and received substantial backing in the transfer market, including the headline signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for over £100m.Palmer light-heartedly dismissed the fan-given nickname “JP Morgan” for his partnership with Joao Pedro and Rogers, describing it as “rubbish”, while emphasising that their contrasting qualities create a strong attacking balance.In fullCole Palmer highlights key difference in Chelsea role under Xabi AlonsoMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in