Chelsea survived a late Brighton storm to secure a 4-3 victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, maintaining their perfect start to the 2026/27 Premier League season under new manager Xabi Alonso.
The seven-goal thriller saw Chelsea twice establish a two-goal advantage, only for Brighton to repeatedly threaten a comeback in an entertaining contest that kept the home side under pressure until the final whistle.
Chelsea made another fast start, continuing a remarkable trend under Alonso. The Blues have now scored within the opening four minutes of each of their first two league matches this season, becoming only the second team in Premier League history to achieve the feat after Bolton Wanderers in 2002/03.
Joao Pedro was at the centre of an extraordinary afternoon for Chelsea. The forward scored once and provided an assist before later turning the ball into his own net, becoming only the sixth player in Premier League history to score, assist and score an own goal in the same match.
Chelsea’s attacking threat was evident despite Brighton enjoying the greater share of possession. The visitors had 75 per cent of the ball and registered 15 shots, matching Chelsea’s total, but Alonso’s side proved more clinical in front of goal.
The victory also marked Alonso’s first Premier League match at Stamford Bridge since taking charge of Chelsea. It was his second league win in as many games, following the club’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham in the opening fixture.
Brighton refused to surrender and continued to push forward deep into the second half. Their persistence was rewarded when Pascal Gross headed home from a late corner in the sixth minute of stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 4-3.
The visitors had one final opportunity to force an equaliser, but Chelsea held on to complete a dramatic victory.
The result means Chelsea begin the new campaign with maximum points from their opening two matches, while Alonso has overseen seven goals in his first two Premier League games.
