Morgan Rogers makes Cole Palmer prediction after Chelsea star's World Cup heartbreak

Morgan Rogers scored on his Chelsea debut - and then backed close pal Cole Palmer to prove everyone wrong this season.

Palmer scored and provided an assist as Chelsea made a winning start under new boss Xabi Alonso at Craven Cottage. It was a sweet moment for Palmer after his World Cup snub and £117m British record buy Rogers says they are determined to push for major trophies.

Chelsea star Rogers said about Palmer: “Everyone knows how good he is. Obviously, had a difficult year with injuries and stuff last year, and you can see in his eyes in preseason and in training that he's ready this year and he's ready to prove people wrong.

"You saw that with that performance -- best player on the pitch by a mile, and that's what he does. Good to have him on our side."

Rogers was also happy with his own debut as he scored for the new-look Blues. Rogers said: “It's nice. You want to settle in as quickly as possible, integrate with the squad and the fans. To feel that affection in the first game and to score is a really nice moment for me.”

Palmer also admitted that he is determined to prove a point this season and is also happy to play with his friend Rogers.

He said: “When you grow up you want to play or do anything with your best friends, so playing football at the best level feels surreal.

“I'm ready you know. It was a difficult season with injuries and whatnot but through the summer and since I've been back I've worked extra hard. Obviously with the injuries I've had to try and prevent them and work extra hard day in, day out.

"Normally I'm not an emotional person, the people who know me know I'm not usually bothered about things in life, but over the summer I rested, I recharged and yeah I'm ready and I'm hungry."

Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa said: “We are not happy because we lost a game we wanted to win. We did a great game and deserved a little bit more but football is not about what you deserve.

“We have to improve in many things but this is the way we need to play - with character and ambition. It's a new project and time is something we don't have. If we continue to play in that way, we will win a lot of games.”

Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.

This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.