Chelsea scraped past West Ham United to climb to fourth in the Premier League standings on Monday evening, securing a nervy yet crucial 2-1 win in west London.
In Graham Potter’s return to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea struggled to get going in the first half. The Blues lacked intensity and creativity, and they fell behind just before the break after Jarrod Bowen capitalized on a loose pass from Levi Colwill.
Cole Palmer nearly equalized moments before halftime with a well-struck free-kick, but West Ham’s goalkeeper, Alphonse Areola, made a stunning save to keep his side ahead. Chelsea were forced to chase the game after the interval.
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Although Chelsea didn’t show significant improvements at the start of the second half, they managed to draw level in the 64th minute. Pedro Neto scored from close range after Enzo Fernandez’s shot was blocked, though West Ham were left frustrated, feeling they should have been awarded a free-kick in the buildup, and the goal came after a controversial onside decision.
Boosted by the equalizer, Chelsea quickly took the lead. A stroke of luck favored the Blues as Palmer’s cross deflected off Aaron Wan-Bissaka, looping over Areola’s head for an own goal.
Chelsea sought a third goal to ease the tension but ultimately didn’t need it, holding on for only their second Premier League win of the calendar year.