West Ham United entertained Chelsea in the Premier League’s only Friday night game, but the entertainment laid solely in the visitors’ hands. 

Chelsea came in to the game off the back of a goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace on the opening day. The Blues had a short turnaround in the summer, after winning the Club World Cup. 

Graham Potter and West Ham were under intense pressure from the fans and board going in to the game. It was a disappointing defeat on the opening day to newly promoted Sunderland. 

Team news:

West Ham made just the one change from the defeat to Sunderland. Tomas Soucek came in for Guido Rodriguez. This was a tactical change from Graham Potter.

Chelsea made four changes to the side that drew with Crystal Palace. Tosin, Malo Gusto, Estevao and Liam Delap all replaced Josh Acheampong, Reece James, Jamie Gittens and Cole Palmer.

Palmer was named in the starting line-up for the game. However, he had to pull out due to a knock in the warm-up.

First-half:

It went from bad to worse for Chelsea, after Lucas Paqueta slammed in a screamer to open the scoring inside five minutes. The Brazilian was allowed too much room on the edge of the box by the Chelsea defenders and they were punished.

Robert Sanchez was questioned for his save attempt. The Spaniard went with his right arm whereas he would have had a much better chance at saving if he went with his left. 

However, it didn’t take long for Chelsea to reply. Marc Cucurella flicked on a header from a corner and Joao Pedro rose highest to equalise for the Blues. The corner was straight off the training ground after Cucurella went short before running back to the front post.

West Ham thought they had retaken the lead within a minute, however Jean-Clair Todibo was deemed offside in the buildup to Nicholas Fullkrug‘s goal. It was a fine finish from the German on the half volley, however, ruled out by VAR. 

Joao Pedro was at it again in the 23rd minute. His cross found Pedro Neto, who fired in a half-volley to complete the turnaround. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was caught on his heels at the back post, allowing Neto a free attempt at a finish. The ball sailed past Mads Hermansen to send the Blues fans in to pandemonium. 

Liam Delap‘s holdup play in the 34th minute lead to Estevao driving in to the box. The Brazilian’s lightning quick speed beat multiple defenders. His low cross across the face of the box beat Hermansen and lead to an easy tap in for Enzo Fernandez.

Wan-Bissaka was again caught sleeping. Estevao announcing himself on the Premier League stage. Some West Ham fans were starting to leave at this point.

Half-time: West Ham United 1-3 Chelsea

Two subs were made at half-time by Graham Potter. Nicholas Fullkrug and Jean-Clair Todibo were replaced by Callum Wilson and Freddie Potts.

Hammers goalkeeper Hermansen flapped at a cross which landed straight at Moises Caicedo. The Ecuadorian’s first time half volley crashed in off the crossbar to make it four.

More corner problems for West Ham as Joao Pedro rose highest again. His header was knocked in by Trevor Chalobah to make it eight goals conceded in two games for Graham Potter’s side. The majority of Hammer’s fans had left as this point. 

Chelsea were toying with West Ham in the last 10 minutes. After each pass, Chelsea fans cried ‘Ole’.

What Does This Mean For Potter And West Ham?

Graham Potter is now under huge pressure, with just a 25% Premier League win record during his tenure. It’s the worst Premier League start to a season by any team in history.

The Hammers currently look like the most likely team to be relegated that haven’t just been promoted.

It’s all gone south for the East London side since David Moyes left in May 2024. The Scotsman finished ninth in his final season with the Hammers. Julien Lopetegui was the man to replace Moyes.

However, after a poor start to the season, the Spaniard was sacked. Potter came in January and results haven’t improved since. It’s a long way back for any manager who has lost the fans. West Ham currently sit bottom after two, with a minus seven goal difference. 

Victory for Chelsea, what’s next?

For Chelsea, it’s exactly the result they wanted to kickstart their season. The Blues sit top, albeit with a game extra played.

The win was made even more special due to the absence of Cole Palmer. The number 10 is the focal point of Chelsea’s attack. Maresca now knows he can trust other players to deliver goals and results.

Confidence will be brimming as the Blues prepare for a West London derby next Saturday. They entertain Fulham at Stamford Bridge. Blues fans will have to wait for an update on the extent of Palmer’s injury. However, fear not after putting five past West Ham.