Chelsea maintain perfect Premier League start as Brighton thriller ends 4-3

Chelsea preserved their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 4-3 victory over Brighton in a seven-goal contest at Stamford Bridge, while Nigerian teenager Zadok Yohanna was left out of the visitors’ matchday squad.

Yohanna had played for Brighton in their 4-0 victory against Aston Villa last weekend, but the winger was missing as Chelsea extended their winning beginning under manager Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea had needed just 31 seconds to score in their opening-day victory over Fulham. They were slightly slower this time, but still struck early enough to leave Brighton struggling to settle.

The hosts went ahead in the fourth minute after Mats Wieffer headed Joao Pedro’s attempt off the line. Lavia reacted quickest to the loose ball and tapped it into the net.

Chelsea doubled their advantage 10 minutes later. Morgan Rogers delivered a cross from the left, and Neto met it first time, guiding the ball into the net with the outside of his right boot.

Brighton were given an opportunity to reduce the deficit when Joao Pedro found himself with time and space inside the penalty area, but he sent his effort wide. The forward, who was jeered by the visiting supporters throughout the match, later scored against his former club.

Joao Pedro collected Jorrel Hato’s pass before producing a composed finish to put Chelsea 3-0 ahead. He celebrated in front of the Brighton fans, adding to the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.

The visitors responded almost immediately. Malick Yalcouye struck a powerful volley that beat Martinez and brought Brighton back into the contest.

Yalcouye played a part in Brighton’s second goal after the interval. Shortly after the hour mark, Pascal Gross sent a cross into the area and Pedro turned it into his own net, leaving Chelsea’s lead at risk.

Chelsea restored some breathing space in the 74th minute, when Palmer drove forward on a forceful run before completing it with a finish to make it 4-2.

Brighton were not finished, and Gross headed home late in the match to reduce the deficit once again. However, there was barely enough time for play to restart before the final whistle, allowing Chelsea to hold on for another victory.

The result gives Alonso a perfect start to his managerial tenure at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea began the campaign with a 3-2 win over Fulham, and Sunday’s success means they have now followed that result with another victory in an open and eventful match.

For Brighton, the defeat ended the momentum generated by their emphatic win over Aston Villa and left them unable to complete a comeback after falling three goals behind in the opening stages.