Chelsea preserved their flawless opening record in the Premier League by surviving a thrilling contest against Brighton at Stamford Bridge.
Key takeaways
- Romeo Lavia opened his Chelsea account in Xabi Alonso’s first league fixture at home.
- Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro also scored as Chelsea moved 3-0 ahead within 32 minutes.
- Malick Yalcouye and Pascal Gross twice narrowed Brighton’s disadvantage.
- Cole Palmer’s outstanding long-range finish proved decisive for Chelsea.
Chelsea race into commanding lead
Lavia gave the hosts an ideal start, netting for the first time since joining Chelsea and putting Alonso’s side in front during his maiden home league match as manager.
Brighton’s defensive misfortune began inside four minutes. Mats Wieffer prevented Joao Pedro from scoring with a goal-line clearance after a corner, but goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen failed to gather the loose situation cleanly. Lavia reacted quickest to finish from close range.
Chelsea extended their advantage 10 minutes later. Morgan Rogers beat Brighton’s club-record signing Luka Vuskovic down the left before sending a delivery across the area. Pedro Neto moved ahead of Ferdi Kadioglu and turned the ball into the net.
The visitors were exposed once more in the 32nd minute. Left wing-back Jorrel Hato used his speed to get beyond Wieffer and then supplied Joao Pedro, who scored against his former employers to make it 3-0.
Brighton threaten a comeback
Brighton responded with spirit and gave themselves a realistic chance of recovering from their poor start.
They halved the deficit before the interval after Chelsea debutant Emi Martinez rushed out to stop Charalampos Kostoulas. The rebound fell to Malick Yalcouye, who struck a volley into the unguarded goal.
Brighton carried their momentum into the second period and moved within one goal in the 63rd minute. Yalcouye released Pascal Gross, whose effort clipped Joao Pedro and changed direction sharply on its way past Martinez.
Chelsea restored a two-goal cushion 11 minutes later through Palmer. The forward produced a superb solo effort, bending the ball beyond Verbruggen from outside the penalty area.
Gross scored again with virtually the last meaningful action, heading past Martinez to give Fabian Hurzeler’s team a third goal. Brighton, however, could not find the equaliser needed to complete the comeback.
