By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Chelsea continued their perfect start to the Premier League season with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge.
Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer were all on target for Xabi Alonso’s side, who survived a spirited second-half fightback from the visitors to claim maximum points.
Brighton’s goals came through Malick Yalcouye, Pascal Gross and an own goal from Joao Pedro.
Chelsea made a blistering start to the contest and were rewarded when Lavia opened the scoring to give the home side an early advantage.
The Blues continued to dominate proceedings, with Neto doubling their lead after another impressive attacking move.
Former Brighton forward Joao Pedro then came back to haunt his old club by adding Chelsea’s third as the hosts threatened to run away with the contest.
Brighton, however, refused to surrender and gradually worked their way back into the game.
Joao Pedro inadvertently gave the visitors hope when he turned the ball into his own net, reducing the deficit and providing Brighton with renewed belief.
The visitors continued to push forward after the break, with Yalcouye and Gross also finding the net as Chelsea came under increasing pressure.
Palmer was once again influential for the Blues and got his name on the scoresheet to provide what ultimately proved to be the decisive goal.
Brighton continued to threaten in the closing stages as they searched for an equaliser, but Chelsea held firm to secure all three points after a breathless seven-goal encounter.
The victory makes it two wins from two league matches for Alonso’s side and maintains their impressive start to the new campaign.
