After a busy outing in the transfer window, Chelsea took the battles from the office into the pristine turf on the south coast. Despite not being at their best, the Londoners were able to win the three points after a 3-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.
Frank Lampard handed debuts to Timo Werner and Kai Havertz while the rest of the summer signings were out due to injury. Jorginho had the armband on instead of Cesar Azpilicueta, who was named on the bench for the Blues.
In the early stages of the game, the hosts were able to match the intensity of Chelsea. Leading the line, Timo Werner made his mark with a number of intelligent runs but lacked the lethal service with Ruben Loftus Cheek deployed higher up the pitch and Kai Havertz still settling to the rapid pace of the Premier League.
Brighton’s concentration lapsed eventually in the 22nd minute after a mistake in the final third resulted in Werner being though on goal with only the keeper to beat. Matt Ryan’s dive caught the striker which led the referee pointing to the penalty spot.
Sporting an impeccable penalty record, Jorginho sent the Australian keeper the wrong way to net Chelsea’s first goal of the campaign. Brighton’s signing Adam Lallana’s maiden appearance for the Seagulls was cut short due to an injury. The midfielder was subbed off right at the half-time mark.
Wondergoals galore, Chelsea ashore
After 10 minutes into the second half, Brighton were finally able to find the back of the net with a stunning strike by Trossard. The left-footed effort from long-range evaded Kepa to bring the hosts right back into the game.
Brighton’s equalizing joy was short-lived as only ninety seconds later, Chelsea were back on top. To match Trossard’s strike, right-back Reece James blasted a sensational strike from distance to change the scoreline to 2-1.
The three points were finally sealed for Chelsea in the seventieth minute. Reece James’ corner met with a weak connection from centre-back Kurt Zouma. However, a deflection off Brighton’s Webster left Matt Ryan flatfooted with the keeper being a mere witness as the ball rolled past beside him.
Chelsea will play their first home game next week when they host defending champions, Liverpool.
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