Chelsea edge Brighton 4-3 as Alonso maintains winning start

Chelsea survived a dramatic second-half fightback from Brighton to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory at Stamford Bridge and preserve Xabi Alonso's perfect start as manager.

The result gives Alonso three wins from his opening three competitive matches in charge, following Premier League victories over Fulham and Luton and a League Cup success.

Chelsea made another blistering start, taking the lead after only four minutes when Brighton failed to clear a corner. Romeo Lavia reacted quickest to fire home from close range, scoring his first goal for the club since joining from Southampton in 2023.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 14th minute. Morgan Rogers powered into the Brighton area before cutting the ball back for Pedro Neto, who calmly guided his finish beyond goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen for his first league goal since December.

Chelsea continued to threaten and added a third goal before half-time. Jorrel Hato found Joao Pedro inside the penalty area and the Brazilian striker clinically converted from close range against his former club.

Pedro then celebrated in front of the visiting supporters with a thumbs-down gesture after having been jeered by the Brighton fans.

However, Chelsea's hopes of recording their first league clean sheet since January disappeared just three minutes later.

Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouye collected the rebound after Emiliano Martinez had initially denied him and smashed a powerful volley against the post and into the net.

Martinez, making his Chelsea debut only hours after completing his £7.5 million ($10m) move from Aston Villa, had earlier made an important save to deny Yalcouye.

The experienced Argentina goalkeeper was brought in to replace Robert Sanchez following another difficult performance from the Spaniard in Chelsea's previous league victory over Fulham.

Brighton grew increasingly dangerous after the break and were rewarded again in the 63rd minute.

Pascal Gross saw his effort take a significant deflection off Pedro, sending the ball looping over Martinez and reducing the deficit to just one goal.

Chelsea were beginning to wobble, but Cole Palmer restored some breathing room in the 74th minute with an impressive finish from the edge of the penalty area.

Brighton refused to surrender, with Gross scoring again in stoppage time when his looping header found the net.

The late goal set up a tense finish, but Chelsea held on to claim another three points and continue their impressive start under Alonso.

Chelsea have now scored nine goals across their opening three league matches under the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach, although their defensive vulnerability remains a concern after conceding four times.

The victory also continued Chelsea's recent emphasis on youth, with 33-year-old Martinez becoming the first player aged 30 or older to appear for the club in a league match since 2024.

Alonso's next challenge will be considerably tougher when Chelsea travel to face defending Premier League champions Arsenal on September 6.

That match will provide the Spaniard with his first major examination as he attempts to transform a Chelsea side that endured a disappointing 10th-place finish last season.

There is also uncertainty surrounding Enzo Fernandez ahead of the Arsenal clash. The Argentina midfielder missed his second consecutive match after being linked with a potential move to Manchester City, with the transfer window due to close on Tuesday.

Joao Pedro praised the attacking combination he has formed with Rogers and Neto following the victory.

He also welcomed Martinez's arrival, describing the new goalkeeper as a player with the quality and experience to make an important contribution throughout the campaign.

For now, Chelsea can celebrate another entertaining victory - although Alonso will know that his side's defensive frailties must improve if their perfect start is to develop into a serious challenge at the top of the Premier League.