Chelsea endured a depressing begin at West Ham, falling behind and shedding talismanic midfielder Cole Palmer to harm, earlier than hitting again to guide halfway by way of the primary half.
Palmer was seen jogging down the tunnel on the London Stadium previous to kick off, sparking fears the England international had sustained a problem and it was confirmed minutes later.
He was changed by Estevao Willian, and the Brazil teen was quickly within the thick of the motion. Estevao tried a intelligent flick close to the midway line however was dispossessed by Lucas Paqueta and he ran unopposed earlier than lashing a shot previous Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who must have performed significantly better.
It will have been simple for Chelsea to capitulate in a hostile ambiance however as a substitute they hit again.
Joao Pedro had already had a penalty attraction turned down after his run was blocked by Max Kilman however it was the previous Brighton striker who dragged the Blues stage after quarter-hour.
Pedro Neto whipped in a nook from the fitting, Marc Cucurella flicked it on on the close to put up and Pedro nodded previous Mads Hermansen.
West Ham thought that they had gone again in entrance however Niclas Fullkrug’s objective was dominated out for offside towards Jean-Clair Todibo within the build-up and Chelsea rode their luck to attain once more.
Trevoh Chalobah received the ball off Paqueta with a rugged problem which West Ham felt was a foul. The ball was picked up by Pedro and his cross to the far put up was met on the volley by Neto, who had bought in entrance of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.