Chelsea put out another masterclass in attack with Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Morgan Rogers all contributing towards a 4-3 victory against Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues made it two wins from two in the Premier League season in an exciting Sunday kickoff. Xabi Alonso’s side produced some brilliant attacking football and looked in control for large parts of the game before the away side mounted a late fightback.
The Blues started the match with great intensity and were rewarded with an early breakthrough. Romeo Lavia opened the scoring in the 4th minute, netting his first goal for Chelsea after Brighton failed to clear the danger.
The goal gave them confidence as they continued to push forward. The advantage was doubled through Pedro Neto, who finished off a well-worked attacking move in the 14th minute.
The winger was a constant threat throughout the first half and caused Brighton several problems with his pace and movement. Morgan Rogers played an important role in the build-up as the blues took firm control of the contest.
The Blues were not done there as Joao Pedro added a third goal to cap a dominant opening period for the hosts. Chelsea’s attacking players combined well, with Joao Pedro showing excellent composure in front of goal in the 32nd minute.
The Stamford Bridge crowd was enjoying the fast-paced football being played under Alonso. Brighton, however, refused to give up despite seeing themselves go down easily under 32 minutes of the match.
The visitors managed to pull one back before half-time and entered the second half believing they could still get something from the match through Yalcouye in the 35th minute.
Despite several injury problems in their squad, Brighton continued to attack whenever they had the chance. The home side created more opportunities after the break and looked dangerous every time they moved forward.
An own-goal from Joao Pedro in the 63rd minute saw the visitors narrowed the scoreline to 3-2 as the match became intense between both teams. Cole Palmer came close on a number of occasions before finally getting his reward.
The England international scored with a powerful effort from outside the box to restore Chelsea’s advantage and make it 4-2. It was another quality moment from one of the most important players of the team who finished off neatly in the 74th minute.
The visitors threw players forward in the closing stages as the World Champions tried to manage the game. Alonso made several substitutions to bring fresh legs onto the pitch and help his team see out the result.
The final minutes were tense for the Blues supporters. Brighton continued to press and found another goal deep into stoppage time when Pascal Gross struck to make it 4-3 with little left to play.
The goal came with virtually the last kick of the match, setting up a nervous finish for the home side. Fortunately for Xabi Alonso, there was no time left for the Seagulls to complete an unlikely comeback.
One concern for the Blues was an injury suffered by Moises Caicedo after coming on as a substitute. The midfielder was forced off shortly after his introduction, and the club will now assess the extent of the problem ahead of upcoming fixtures.
However, that did not affect the three points which was delivered after 90 minutes of action. The victory continues Chelsea’s impressive start under Xabi Alonso as they occupy the top position on the Premier League table.
After also beating Fulham in their opening league match, the Blues have collected six points from six and are showing signs of becoming one of the most entertaining teams in the Premier League.
Their attacking football has been excellent, although the defensive lapses against Brighton will give Alonso something to work on before the next match.
The Seagulls showed character and determination to stay in the game and nearly completed a remarkable comeback. However, the home side quality in attack ultimately proved the difference in a thrilling seven-goal encounter at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea claimed the important three points in a match which saw Emiliano Martinez make his debut within hours of being announced as a new signing from Aston Villa for the World Champions.