LONDON — Chelsea secured a dramatic 4–3 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in a pulsing Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge, preserving their perfect start to the season under manager Xabi Alonso.
The Blues raced into a commanding lead inside the opening half-hour before a spirited Brighton fightback forced Chelsea to dig deep, with Cole Palmer ultimately delivering the decisive blow.
Chelsea stormed out of the gates, taking the lead just four minutes in when Roméo Lavia stabbed home his first goal for the club. Pedro Neto doubled the advantage ten minutes later, finishing off a sharp move set up by Morgan Rogers.
Former Seagulls forward João Pedro was at the heart of the action throughout. After making it 3–0 with a clinical finish in the 32nd minute, he inadvertently sparked Brighton’s comeback after the break by deflecting a Pascal Groß cross into his own net. Combined with Malick Yalcouyé’s first-half strike, Brighton brought the game back to 3–2.
With Brighton threatening an equalizer, Cole Palmer restored breathing room for the hosts in the 73rd minute, driving forward and curling a splendid 25-yard strike past Bart Verbruggen. Pascal Groß headed home deep into stoppage time to make it 4–3, but Chelsea held firm through the final seconds.
Chelsea have won all three of their matches across all competitions under Xabi Alonso.
João Pedro became just the sixth player in Premier League history to score a goal, provide an assist, and score an own goal in the same match.
Chelsea head to North London to face champions Arsenal next weekend, while Brighton host Leeds United.
