AfriPulse
Chelsea produced a dramatic second half comeback to defeat West Ham United 3-2 in a chaotic Premier League London derby, recovering from a two-goal deficit at half time for the first time in the club’s league history.
The Blues climbed into the top four after a pulsating game at Stamford Bridge that swung wildly in momentum and ended in late controversy.
Fresh from a midweek victory over Napoli, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior made seven changes to his starting line-up, a decision that almost backfired as West Ham flew out of the blocks. The Hammers struck early, continuing their habit of fast starts this season.
Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring inside the first 15 minutes when his dangerous cross from the right evaded Pablo and curled into the far corner. It marked Bowen’s fourth consecutive goal scored within the opening half hour of a match.
Chelsea struggled to find rhythm in a poor first half. Cole Palmer led an attack that rarely troubled West Ham’s defence, while the visitors repeatedly targeted the left side of Chelsea’s back line. Bowen and Aaron Wan-Bissaka caused constant problems, with Jorrel Hato and Alejandro Garnacho unable to contain their pace and movement.
West Ham doubled their advantage on 36 minutes when Bowen combined once more with Wan-Bissaka, who cut the ball back for Crysencio Summerville to smash home his fourth goal in as many games.
Boos echoed around Stamford Bridge as the home side trudged off at the break, prompting a triple substitution from Rosenior, who introduced João Pedro, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella.
The changes transformed the game. After Robert Sánchez kept Chelsea in contention with saves from Mateus Fernandes and Bowen, Fofana surged forward and delivered a pinpoint cross for João Pedro to head home and reduce the deficit.
Chelsea poured forward in search of an equaliser. Alphonse Areola produced a superb save to deny Moisés Caicedo’s long-range effort, but the pressure eventually told. Malo Gusto’s header was deflected onto the bar by Max Kilman, and Cucurella reacted quickest to fire in the rebound and restore parity.
West Ham nearly reclaimed the lead when Jean-Clair Todibo struck the post from close range, but Chelsea held their nerve and continued to press.
The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when Pedro found space down the right and cut the ball back for Enzo Fernández, who calmly turned in the winner on the third anniversary of his signing for the club.
Tempers flared late on, with scuffles breaking out after Marc Cucurella and Adama Traore clashed near the touchline. Following a VAR review, West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo was shown a red card for grabbing João Pedro around the neck.
Chelsea’s comeback sends them into the Premier League top four, while West Ham suffer a seventh defeat in their last eight London derbies.
Source: Naijanews.com | Read the Full Story…
