Xabi Alonso’s first Premier League home game as Chelsea manager ended dramatically as the Blues secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea made a flying start, taking the lead after just four minutes when Roméo Lavia capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Mats Wieffer and Bart Verbruggen. Pedro Neto then doubled the advantage 10 minutes later, finishing from Morgan Rogers’ cutback.
Brighton struggled to contain Chelsea’s attack, with Pedro Neto and his teammates creating several more opportunities. The hosts eventually added a third in the 32nd minute when Jorrel Hato set up Pedro, who calmly finished to score his second goal of the campaign.
Brighton responded before half-time through Malick Yalcouyé, whose powerful volley went in off the post to give the visitors hope.
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The Seagulls came out stronger after the break and went close to reducing the deficit further, but Chelsea continued to threaten. Brighton eventually got their second goal when Pascal Groß’s effort was deflected into the net following a corner, making it 3-2.
With the game becoming increasingly tense, Alonso made a triple substitution that helped Chelsea regain control. Cole Palmer then produced a composed finish, curling the ball beyond Verbruggen to restore the Blues’ two-goal cushion.
Brighton refused to give up, and Groß headed home in stoppage time to make it 4-3, but Chelsea held on to claim all three points.
The victory gives Chelsea their second home win in the opening Premier League game of a season in the last eight years. The Blues have also scored seven goals across their opening two league matches, setting an early attacking benchmark.
For Brighton, it was a disappointing result after their impressive start to the campaign last weekend.
