Chelsea secured a second Premier League win in as many games under manager Xabi Alonso as they came out on top in another thrilling contest beating Brighton 4-3 at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues dominated the first half and took advantage of some early pressure, and a mistake from Bart Verbruggen, as Romeo Lavia poked in the opening goal. Pedro Neto then arrived in the far side of the box to meet a Morgan Rogers cross to double the lead but Joao Pedro rolled in a fine finish to send Chelsea three goals up.
But Brighton pulled a goal back before the break as Malick Yalcouye blasted in a rocket to keep the Seagulls in the game. Things improved for the visitors as a Pascal Gross shot deflected off Joao Pedro to reduce the deficit to one.
Cole Palmer calmed the nerves with a beautifully worked goal before Gross nodded in the seventh goal of the game just seconds before the final whistle. Two wins from two for Chelsea in another chaotic encounter.
Relive the latest from the Premier League clash with our live blog below:
Xabi Alonso on Moises Caicedo injury scare
“We hope it is not new and not more than last time,” Alonso said.
“He was cautious to stop, his feeling was not the best, but we have to assess.”
After more chaos, Chelsea must add the final piece to challenge for the title
As two former Chelsea managers and the entire current hierarchy watched on, Xabi Alonso’s burgeoning team put on the kind of show that the ownership have long desired. If the World Cup has attuned all of American finance to football, this type of entertainment is why.
There was even a bit of edge to a frantic 4-3 win over Brighton, just to add to the theatre – and none of it was from new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Cole Palmer, in front of Thomas Tuchel, illustrated why the England manager was wrong to leave him out of the World Cup by letting fly for the crucial match-winning goal. Joao Pedro, in front of Carlo Ancelotti, illustrated why the Brazil manager was wrong to leave him out of the World Cup by slotting in the third.
Chelsea produce alarming possession and passing stats despite win
Chelsea had 25.6 per cent possession against Brighton, and just 146 successful passes, according to Opta.
These were their lowest figures on record since the 2003/04 campaign.
Their 67.0 per cent pass accuracy was their lowest in a home league game since February 2004 v Charlton (65.9 per cent).
Alonso dismisses concern over Chelsea possession and passing stats
“You need to have context,” Alonso said when asked about the team’s alarmingly low possession against Brighton (25.6 per cent).
“After 30 minutes, we have 3-0. The data is not important, it’s how we play and what we can do.
“I never say we have to have 60 per cent, 50 per cent… we need to adapt.”
Emi Martinez reacts to Chelsea win on debut and inspiration from club legends
“Obviously, I speak of legends, JT and Petr,” Martinez says.
“I knew how big this club is, I came here to help, seven years at Villa, I came here to challenge myself and win the Premier League.”
Joao Pedro reacts to Chelsea win over Brighton
“Everyone knows his quality, he came to help us, could see today, he’s a special player, special keeper, he has everything to help us through this season,” Joao Pedro tells Sky Sports.
“The game today, a special game, I think I helped my teammates, I fight until the end, the three points is very important for us. I think in the front three, we know each other, we try to help, when Cole doesn’t score, Morgan will be there, hopefully we can achieve a lot.”
Chelsea go perfect
Along with Manchester City and Hull, Chelsea have gone perfect over their opening matchdays of the new Premier League season.
They are two wins from two and are level on six points with the two mentioned teams.
However, Chelsea’s ability to concede goals means they sit third in the table with a goal difference of +2.
The Blues have scored seven and conceded five in two matches.
Elsewhere…
Dominic Calvert-Lewin levelled to earn Leeds a point at home to Brentford.
And Wilson Isidor struck in the second half to earn Sunderland the win at home to Fulham.
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 4-3 Brighton
That is the last act.
It is two from two for Alonso in the league, three in all competitions, but they remain a curious team. At times they were rampant in attack here but defensively there remain loud question marks that not even Emi Martinez could answer on his debut between the posts.
