Cole Palmer scored the decisive goal as Chelsea survived a spirited Brighton comeback to claim a dramatic 4-3 Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
According to Reuters, Chelsea raced into a commanding three-goal lead before Brighton fought their way back into the contest, forcing Xabi Alonso’s side to withstand a tense finish to preserve their perfect start to the league season.
Chelsea race into three-goal lead
The Blues needed only five minutes to take control when Romeo Lavia opened the scoring.
Pedro Neto doubled Chelsea’s advantage in the 14th minute as the hosts punished Brighton with another incisive attacking move.
Joao Pedro then struck against his former club in the 34th minute to put Chelsea 3-0 ahead and seemingly in complete control.
Brighton, however, refused to allow the contest to drift away.
Malick Yalcouyé pulled one back in the 39th minute, giving the visitors hope before the half-time whistle.
Brighton threaten stunning comeback
The pressure on Chelsea increased after the break when Joao Pedro inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 62nd minute.
The own goal reduced Chelsea’s advantage to 3-2 and transformed what had looked like a comfortable afternoon into a tense battle.
Brighton pushed forward in search of an equaliser, while Chelsea struggled to regain the authority they had displayed during the opening half-hour.
Palmer eventually provided the breathing space the hosts desperately needed.
Palmer restores Chelsea cushion
The England international struck in the 75th minute to make it 4-2 and restore Chelsea’s two-goal advantage.
His effort proved crucial as Brighton mounted one final push during stoppage time.
Pascal Groß scored in the 96th minute to cut the deficit to 4-3, setting up a frantic finish at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, however, held on through the remaining moments to secure all three points.
Chelsea maintain perfect league start
The victory gives Alonso two wins from his opening two Premier League matches after Chelsea began their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Fulham.
Chelsea have now scored seven goals across those two fixtures, although conceding five will leave the manager with defensive concerns despite the perfect points return.
Brighton, meanwhile, were rewarded for refusing to surrender after falling three goals behind but ultimately left Stamford Bridge empty-handed.
For Chelsea, Palmer’s intervention proved the difference in a chaotic seven-goal encounter that showcased both their attacking quality and defensive vulnerability.
