CHELSEA SURVIVE BRIGHTON FIGHTBACK TO WIN 4-3 AT STAMFORD BRIDGE

Chelsea survived a dramatic second-half comeback from Brighton & Hove Albion to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, maintaining their perfect start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

The Blues raced into a three-goal lead inside the opening half-hour, with Roméo Lavia, Pedro Neto and João Pedro all finding the net as Xabi Alonso's side appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory.

Lavia opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Neto doubled Chelsea's advantage 10 minutes later. João Pedro then added a third in the 32nd minute, putting the hosts firmly in control.

However, Brighton responded almost immediately, with Malick Yalcouyé pulling one back in the 35th minute to give the visitors hope before half-time.

The second half became increasingly tense as Brighton continued to push forward. Chelsea's advantage was reduced to just one goal in the 63rd minute when João Pedro scored an own goal, setting up a nervy final half-hour.

With Brighton threatening to complete an incredible comeback, Chelsea needed a decisive response. Cole Palmer provided it in the 74th minute, scoring to restore the Blues' two-goal cushion and put the hosts back in control.

Brighton refused to give up, however, and Pascal Groß scored deep into stoppage time to make it 4-3.

The late goal created a tense finish at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea managed to withstand Brighton's final push and secure all three points.

The match also marked an important occasion for Emiliano Martínez, who made his Chelsea debut in goal just hours after completing his move from Aston Villa. The Argentine goalkeeper was immediately handed a starting place by Alonso.

Martínez's arrival has increased competition for the goalkeeper position at Chelsea following criticism of Robert Sánchez's performances. The 33-year-old signed a three-year contract after leaving Aston Villa, where he spent six seasons.

The victory gives Alonso two wins from two Premier League matches since taking charge of Chelsea, following the club's opening-day victory over Fulham.

For Brighton, the defeat will be particularly disappointing after their impressive opening-day victory over Aston Villa. Despite falling three goals behind, Fabian Hürzeler's team showed considerable character to reduce the deficit and push Chelsea until the final whistle.

Chelsea's attacking display was once again one of the major positives, with Lavia, Neto, João Pedro and Palmer all contributing goals.

However, conceding three goals after establishing a 3-0 lead will provide Alonso with plenty to work on defensively. The Blues were unable to close the game out comfortably and were forced to defend their narrow advantage during a frantic final period.

The victory nevertheless represents another encouraging result for Chelsea under Alonso and gives the club valuable momentum at the beginning of the new Premier League season.

Chelsea will now look to build on the result as Alonso continues to shape his squad and establish his style of football at Stamford Bridge.