Chelsea FC claimed a dramatic 4-3 Premier League victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in a match packed with goals and momentum shifts. The win, reported by the club's official site, gives Chelsea six points from their opening two top-flight fixtures, placing them fourth in the early standings.

Romeo Lavia netted his first Chelsea goal to break the deadlock after four minutes, setting the tone for a frantic encounter. Pedro Neto doubled the lead ten minutes later, and Joao Pedro added a third for the Blues just after the half-hour mark. Brighton pulled one back before halftime through Malick Yalcouye and scored again via a Joao Pedro own goal early in the second half. Cole Palmer swept home a 20-yard strike with 16 minutes to play to restore Chelsea's two-goal cushion, but Pascal Gross headed in a late Brighton consolation in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

How did Chelsea start the match?

Manager Xabi Alonso made seven changes to the side that won in the Carabao Cup. New signing Emi Martinez, whose arrival was confirmed earlier that day, started in goal behind a back three of Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix, and Levi Colwill. Pedro Neto and Jorrel Hato operated as wing-backs, with Lavia partnering Malo Gusto in midfield. The front three featured Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Joao Pedro, who was booed throughout by the visiting Brighton supporters.

The fast start continued a trend for Chelsea, who had scored inside 35 seconds at Fulham just days earlier. This time, they were ahead inside four minutes. The team's attacking intent was clear, and they have now scored seven goals in their first two league games, though they have also conceded five. You can view the full squad details, including the currently sidelined Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra, on the club's squad page.

What happened during the key moments?

After Lavia and Neto put Chelsea in control, the third goal came from a flowing move. Hato exchanged passes with Rogers and surged upfield before finding Joao Pedro, who finished after Wieffer was unable to keep up. Brighton's first reply came ten minutes later when Yalcouye scored. Martinez was then called into action, making a smart reaction stop to deny Yalcouye again and later pushing a Gomez shot wide.

The own goal that made it 3-2 came from the resulting corner. The ball was worked to Pascal Gross, whose pass deflected off Joao Pedro and into the Chelsea net. The pressure was mounting, but Palmer's excellent strike from distance settled nerves. Alonso made changes, introducing Josh Acheampong, Reece James, and Moises Caicedo for the booked Fofana, Lavia, and Neto, shifting to a 5-4-1 shape.

What is Chelsea's current form and next challenge?

With two wins from two, Chelsea's recent form reads WW. They sit fourth in the Premier League with a +2 goal difference. The next test is a significant one: a trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 6 September. Mikel Arteta's side are second in the table, making it a important early-season encounter. Fans can check the date and time for all upcoming matches on the fixtures schedule.

Before kick-off, the Stamford Bridge crowd paid tribute to two club legends. There was a moment of remembrance for Bobby Tambling, Chelsea's second all-time highest goalscorer, and former chairman Ken Bates. The team then delivered a performance worthy of the occasion, showing both attacking flair and resilience under pressure. The final action saw Gross head home from a long throw, but Chelsea held on for three vital points.

Chelsea's next match is away to Arsenal on 6 September 2026.