Nigerian teenage winger Zadok Yohanna was missing in action as Chelsea maintained a perfect start to this season’s Premier League after overcoming Brighton 4-3 in an entertaining game at Stamford Bridge.
Yohanna, who featured for Brighton in the team’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend, was omitted from the match squad against Chelsea.
The host had only needed 31 seconds to make the breakthrough in their season-opening win over Fulham, and though they had to wait a little longer on Sunday, another fast start left Brighton shell-shocked.
Lavia was on hand to tap home in the fourth minute after Mats Wieffer nodded João Pedro’s header off the line, and only 10 minutes later, Neto met Morgan Rogers’ left-sided cross with a first-time finish off the outside of his right boot.
Read Also:England-Born Nigerian Defender Ogunneye Joins Arsenal From Man United
Joao Pedro, who was jeered by the away fans throughout, missed a glorious chance to make it 3-0 when he stroked wide with time and space inside the area, but he celebrated in front of his former supporters when he took in Jorrel Hato’s pass and finished soon after.
Martinez was beaten moments later by a blistering volley from Malick Yalcouye that brought Brighton back into the game.
Yalcouye was involved again as Pedro turned Pascal Gross’s cross into his own net just after the hour mark.
Read Also:Galatasaray Boss Lauds Osimhen’s Display Against Göztepe
But Palmer eased Chelsea’s nerves with a marauding run and finish in the 74th minute, and there was barely time for the game to restart following Gross’ late header.
The victory gives Xabi Alonso a perfect start to his managerial reign at Stamford Bridge, having won his opening game against Fulham 3-2.
