Friday night at the London Stadium turned into a nightmare for West Ham United and a statement win for Chelsea. The Blues stormed to a 5–1 victory, leaving the Hammers staring at their worst start in Premier League history.
Early Shock – West Ham Strike First
The game began with drama as Lucas Paquetá smashed home a thunderous shot in just the 6th minute, giving West Ham an early lead. The stadium erupted, but it turned out to be a short-lived joy.
Chelsea Hit Back Ruthlessly
Chelsea’s response was swift and brutal:
- João Pedro equalized with a towering header for his first Premier League goal.
- Moments later, Pedro Neto volleyed Chelsea into the lead.
- Teenage sensation Estêvão Willian, making his first competitive start, dazzled with his pace and set up Enzo Fernández for the third.
By halftime, West Ham were already reeling.
Second Half Collapse
The Hammers fell apart after the break. Chelsea dominated set-pieces:
- Moisés Caicedo pounced after a weak punch from the keeper to make it four.
- Trevoh Chalobah sealed the rout with a header, completing a five-star Chelsea performance.
Home fans left in frustration, with some walking out long before the final whistle.
What This Means
- For West Ham: Their defensive frailties and lack of organization have sparked fury among supporters. Pressure is piling on manager Graham Potter, with calls growing louder for a change.
- For Chelsea: Five different goalscorers show the depth and balance of Enzo Maresca’s squad. Even without key players like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, the Blues looked sharp, united, and hungry.
In Short
Chelsea announced themselves as real contenders with a dominant derby win. West Ham, meanwhile, are left searching for answers as their season spirals into crisis.
