Chelsea endured a depressing begin at West Ham, falling behind and dropping talismanic midfielder Cole Palmer to damage, earlier than hitting again to steer halfway by means of the primary half.
Palmer was seen jogging down the tunnel on the London Stadium previous to kick off, sparking fears the England international had sustained a problem and it was confirmed minutes later.
He was changed by Estevao Willian, and the Brazil teenager was quickly within the thick of the motion. Estevao tried a intelligent flick close to the midway line however was dispossessed by Lucas Paqueta and he ran unopposed earlier than lashing a shot previous Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who should have completed significantly better.
It will have been simple for Chelsea to capitulate in a hostile environment however as a substitute they hit again.
Joao Pedro had already had a penalty attraction turned down after his run was blocked by Max Kilman but it surely was the previous Brighton striker who dragged the Blues stage after quarter-hour.
Pedro Neto whipped in a nook from the precise, Marc Cucurella flicked it on on the close to put up and Pedro nodded previous Mads Hermansen.
West Ham thought that they had gone again in entrance however Niclas Fullkrug’s aim was dominated out for offside in opposition to Jean-Clair Todibo within the build-up and Chelsea rode their luck to attain once more.
Trevoh Chalobah gained the ball off Paqueta with a rugged problem which West Ham felt was a foul. The ball was picked up by Pedro and his cross to the far put up was met on the volley by Neto, who had acquired in entrance of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
