A fiery derby swung the way of the hosts, who had to come from behind to put the Hammers to bed
Chelsea moved back into the Premier League's top four with a 2-1 win at home to London rivals West Ham on Monday.
Graham Potter made his first return to Stamford Bridge since being sacked by the Blues just under two years ago, though he and his Hammers left without any of the points on offer after surrendering a one-goal lead. Frustrations threatened to boil over on a tempered evening, but Enzo Maresca made the requisite changes to stave off intense criticism and ensure his side bounced back following last week's defeat at Manchester City.
Just before a drab first half closed out, West Ham got themselves ahead as Levi Colwill's poor back pass was intercepted by Jarrod Bowen, who kept his cool and slotted beyond Filip Jorgensen. There was still time for Cole Palmer to try and find a leveller before the break, with Alphonse Areola at full stretch to tip his 25-yard free-kick over the crossbar, but that was as close as Chelsea came to scoring in the first 45.
Shortly after the hour mark, the Blues drew level. Pedro Neto's cross caused havoc in the West Ham box and they couldn't clear their lines, allowing the ball to pinball kindly for the Portuguese winger to slam home at the far post. The goal survived a lengthy VAR check for offside after replays couldn't determine whether Marc Guiu had nodded on Neto's initial delivery to an offside Marc Cucurella.
West Ham went close to going back in front minutes later, with Kudus diverting a delicious delivery from Andy Irving onto the post with a diving header. And the visitors were made to pay when Chelsea took the lead with under 20 minutes remaining. Palmer, quiet for much of the evening, burst past Tomas Soucek and tried to cut a low cross back into the box, only for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to inadvertently clip the ball up and over Areola into the net.
Seven minutes of added time were tacked on at the end of the second half, and West Ham went close to a last-gasp equaliser on a breakneck counter, only for Tosin Adarabioyo to block Kudus' close-range strike. That was as close as the Hammers came as Maresca's men held on to take all three points.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
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Filip Jorgensen (5/10):
Brought in for usual starter Sanchez, though didn't exactly provide much more assurance and safety, dawdling on the ball and spilling the occasional shot.
Reece James (5/10):
Provided decent width when Chelsea ventured into the final third but appeared noticeably lethargic, with Soler giving him the run-around on the touchline. Taken off for Gusto on the hour mark.
Tosin Adarabioyo (7/10):
The leader at the back as per, sweeping up and taking charge in possession, even if that was a little too patient for the home fans' liking. Provided the match-saving block to deny Kudus in stoppage time.
Levi Colwill (3/10):
Had already been pressed into an error by West Ham's frontline before he gifted them the night's opening goal. Tried to win soft fouls but the referee wasn't having much of it.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
Crashed the box without being picked up by a marker on most occasions. This helped lead to Neto's equaliser, adding another body to the mix.
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Moises Caicedo (6/10):
Took a while to get going having been pick-pocketed plenty in the first half. Not his strongest performance, but the bar has been set pretty high.
Enzo Fernandez (6/10):
Dived into challenges recklessly and was a little fortunate not to be shown a red card for a forceful foul in the second half. His energy proved useful late on when West Ham tried and failed to snatch back a point.
Cole Palmer (6/10):
Chelsea look completely lost when Palmer is unable to pull the strings. A stroke of luck brought about the winning goal, with the otherwise impressive Wan-Bissaka turning his cross in. A lot more involved than in some of the Blues' other middling performances, which was a plus. Replaced by Chalobah with minutes to spare.
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Noni Madueke (5/10):
Provided very little after spurning an early half-chance, though at least brought a cheer from the crowd after knocking over referee Attwell during a counter attack. Withdrawn for Nkunku.
Nicolas Jackson (4/10):
Now eight games without a goal after being withdrawn early in the second half. Picked up a knock early on, but nonetheless could hardly get his touch to stick.
Jadon Sancho (5/10):
Could scarcely free himself from the shackles of former Manchester United team-mate Wan-Bissaka and too came off soon after the break.
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Marc Guiu (6/10):
Replaced the half-injured Jackson. Provided much more of a physical presence in and around the 18-yard area.
Pedro Neto (7/10):
Came on for Sancho and made the most of his chances, firing Chelsea level and taking his man on more successfully than his team-mates.
Christopher Nkunku (5/10):
On for Madueke, though was crowded out of the game flittering between the wing and midfield.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Brought on for James to provide a bit more pace and dynamism.
Trevoh Chalobah (N/A):
Given a late run out in place of Palmer.
Enzo Maresca (6/10):
An ugly win for an underwhelming Chelsea. Nevertheless, they've needed a gritty victory like that after going off the boil over the last month.
