The Chelsea front three of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro has been the standout feature of Xabi Alonso’s early weeks in charge.
All three have contributed goals and assists as Chelsea have scored freely in the opening games of the 2026/27 season.
Chelsea Front Three Making an Immediate Impact
The Chelsea front three clicked straight away in the 3-2 win at Fulham. Joao Pedro scored after just 31 seconds and later provided an assist, Rogers netted on debut, and Palmer added a goal and an assist.
That pattern has continued. Across four Premier League games, Pedro has three goals and three assists, Rogers three goals and one assist, and Palmer two goals and two assists.
The Chelsea front three has been involved in the majority of the team’s goals so far. Rogers looks an instant success after his £117m move from Aston Villa, Palmer is closer to his best form, and Pedro has carried on the strong scoring run he showed last season.
Having finished 10th in the 2025/26 Premier League, the Blues entered the 2026/27 Carabao Cup in the second round, and have since won their two opening games.
In the second of those ties, Palmer and Rogers came on as substitutes, while Pedro remained on the bench, to turn the game around and bring Chelsea back from 2-0 down in the second half. With a brace from Palmer and three assists from Rogers, Alonso’s men beat Leeds United 6-3.
How the Chelsea Front Three Is Linking Up
Palmer and Rogers, who know each other well from England and Manchester City‘s academy, have already created a high number of chances for each other.
Pedro’s movement as the central striker gives both players the space they need. The Chelsea front three offers different threats – Rogers’ power and shooting from distance, Palmer’s dribbling and vision, and Pedro’s finishing and link-up play.
Chelsea have taken seven points from four league games, with wins over Fulham and Brighton, a defeat at Arsenal and a 2-2 draw with Hull. The Chelsea front three has remained productive even when results have been mixed.
Alonso’s system gives Palmer and Rogers freedom to roam while Pedro leads the line. The result is constant movement and combinations that have already troubled opposition defences.
No single player is carrying the attack alone, which has helped the Chelsea front three stay effective from game to game.
Extra Time Notes
The Chelsea front three is clearly a major strength for Alonso right now. If they keep producing at this level, Chelsea will score enough goals to stay in the mix for the top places.
The bigger question is whether the defence can improve enough to match the attack. Chelsea have conceded too many goals in the early games – 18 goals scored, 12 goals conceded in all competitions – and that has already cost points against Arsenal and Hull City.
If Alonso can tighten things up without taking away the freedom that makes the Chelsea front three so dangerous, this unit could become the foundation of a successful season.
The early signs are promising, but the balance of the team will decide how far they can go.
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