Chelsea Hit West Ham for Five in Stunning London Derby Victory

Chelsea destroyed West Ham United 5-1 at London Stadium, securing their first Premier League win of the season. The Blues bounced back from a disastrous opening-day draw with Crystal Palace with an attacking masterclass in east London on Monday night to move to the top of the table, while the Hammers dropped to the bottom.

HOW THEY DID IT

Chelsea showed great fight after falling behind to a world-class Lucas Paqueta half-volley inside six minutes. João Pedro equalised for the visitors on his first Premier League start in the 15th minute before Pedro Neto put them ahead shortly after. Enzo Fernandez scored a brilliant third goal after great work from youngster Estevao Mendonca as the Blues took complete control before the break.

Moises Caicedo extended Chelsea’s lead by drilling home a loose ball from a corner shortly after play resumed and Trevoh Chalobah rounded off the scoring to compound West Ham‘s misery. The home fans started leaving in their droves in response as the Blues showed their class in a surprisingly one-sided London derby.

WHAT IT MEANS

The comprehensive win moves Chelsea to the top of the Premier League standings with four points from two matches. Chelsea finished in fourth place last season, earning a Champions League spot, and their massive summer spending appears to have transformed them into title contenders after last season’s struggles. The Blues have scored six goals while conceding just two this season.

Maresca praised João Pedro before this game, saying that the Brazilian was ready to explode in front of goal, and he did exactly that tonight. Estevao also made a goalscoring impact off the bench just like last week as the 18-year-old became the youngest player in Chelsea’s history to provide a Premier League assist. West Ham sit bottom of the Premier League table after their embarrassing derby loss.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The pressure is increasing on West Ham head coach Graham Potter after back-to-back losses. The Hammers are set for a challenging season after finishing 14th in the Premier League last season and will look to sign new midfielders after losing Edson Álvarez, who is joining Fenerbahçe on loan. Chelsea, on the other hand, face another early test of their title credentials this weekend when they host Fulham, who will be playing Manchester United this weekend.