AFCON 2025
Chelsea’s plans were disrupted when Cole Palmer withdrew from the starting lineup due to a warm-up injury, but they dismantled West Ham 5-1.
Lucas Paquetá fired a left-footed rocket to give the Hammers a sixth-minute lead, but Chelsea exploited their defensive vulnerabilities.
Marc Cucurella flicked on Pedro Neto’s corner for João Pedro to head home the equalizer. Neto then volleyed in from Pedro’s cross, unmarked, to complete the turnaround by the 23rd minute.
Estêvão, Palmer’s replacement, became Chelsea’s youngest Premier League assist-maker at 18 years and 120 days, setting up Enzo Fernández’s tap-in.
The fourth goal came when Mads Hermansen botched a corner, allowing Moisés Caicedo to score. Trevoh Chalobah added a fifth before the hour, prompting early exits from Hammers fans.
West Ham’s late response saw Kyle Walker-Peters score, but Chelsea nearly made it six when Reece James found Estêvão, only for Hermansen to save.
Graham Potter’s winless streak against Chelsea (D4, L4) continued, and his nine points from 10 home games set an unwanted club record. Chelsea’s 33rd league win over West Ham sent them top, temporarily.
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