Chelsea secured a crucial 2-1 victory over West Ham United on Monday, coming from behind to claim three vital points in the Premier League. A second-half strike from substitute Pedro Neto and an own goal by Aaron Wan-Bissaka lifted the Blues to fourth place, keeping their Champions League hopes alive.

 

West Ham took the lead just before halftime when Jarrod Bowen capitalized on a defensive error, firing past Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. The Blues struggled to convert chances in the first half, with Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Jadon Sancho all failing to find the net.

 

Manager Enzo Maresca, under scrutiny for his substitution decisions, made key changes early in the second half. Neto, brought on for Sancho, made an immediate impact by scoring the equalizer in the 64th minute after a deflected shot fell into his path. Following a VAR review, the goal was confirmed.

 

Chelsea’s pressure paid off in the 74th minute when Palmer’s cross was deflected into the net by Wan-Bissaka, sealing the comeback. Despite late efforts from West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jorgensen ensured Chelsea held onto the lead.

 

Speaking after the match, Maresca emphasized the mental challenge of breaking down defensive teams but praised his side’s patience and resilience.

 

“This win was huge. It was a tough game, especially mentally, but we stayed patient and deserved the victory,” he said.

 

West Ham manager Graham Potter, returning to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his Chelsea sacking in April 2023, was left disappointed. His side now sits 15th in the table, having won just once in their last 19 league games at Chelsea.