Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Aug 23: Chelsea delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over West Ham on Friday, overturning an early deficit to claim a dominant win. The result puts Chelsea atop the Premier League for the first time since December 2021, while former Chelsea manager Graham Potter faces mounting pressure after winning only five of 21 games since taking charge in January.
West Ham took the lead early through Lucas Paqueta, who celebrated emotionally after being cleared of spot-fixing allegations, pointing to his club badge. Chelsea responded swiftly, with Joao Pedro scoring from a corner. Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez extended the lead, while Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah capitalised on mistakes by West Ham’s new goalkeeper Mads Hermansen to complete the rout.
Chelsea were without Cole Palmer, who withdrew during warm-up due to a muscle injury. His absence gave Brazilian youngster Estevao his first Premier League start. Estevao impressed with his pace and assisted Fernandez for Chelsea’s third goal.
West Ham’s limited transfer activity this summer and errors from £20 million goalkeeper Hermansen contributed to the heavy defeat. Caicedo scored Chelsea’s fourth, and Chalobah added the fifth after Hermansen mishandled another corner.
Potter admitted the night was tough for West Ham, stating, “Against a top team, to concede the goals in the manner we have, it is an impossible task.” Many home supporters left early, reflecting their disappointment as Chelsea dominated throughout.
Chelsea’s victory showcased a swift and clinical response, while West Ham’s struggles under Potter continue to draw scrutiny.