EPL: Chelsea Comeback - Blues Edge West Ham 2-1 in Thrilling Encounter

Chelsea staged a remarkable comeback to defeat West Ham United 2-1, with Pedro Neto scoring the equalizer and an own goal securing the win, propelling the Blues back into the top four.

Chelsea staged a remarkable comeback to defeat West Ham United 2-1, ensuring that Graham Potter's return to Stamford Bridge ended in disappointment. This result maintained the unwanted record that no former Chelsea manager has ever won a Premier League game at Stamford Bridge on their return.

Chelsea's urgency for a positive result was evident, given their recent struggles, with only one win in seven Premier League fixtures. The Blues dominated the first half, but their build-up play often lacked intensity. Despite this, they showed flashes of intent, with Noni Madueke being a key player, narrowly missing the target with a curled shot after 15 minutes.

Madueke continued to be involved, setting up Enzo Fernandez for a shot that was dragged wide of the post. As the half drew to a close, Madueke laid off Jadon Sancho, who cut inside and sent a swerving shot off-target. Despite their dominance, Chelsea's lack of cutting edge was punished when Levi Colwill's loose pass was intercepted by Jarrod Bowen, who confidently scored the opening goal.

Bowen's strike gave West Ham a surprise lead, but Chelsea responded strongly in the second half to secure a 2-1 victory, with Neto getting on the scoresheet. The win was a welcome relief for Chelsea, who had been struggling to find consistency in recent weeks.

On the cusp of half-time, Alphonse Areola made a spectacular fingertip save to deny Cole Palmer's free-kick, preserving West Ham's slender lead as the teams headed into the break.

The second half began with West Ham exerting pressure, leaving Chelsea in need of a revitalizing spark. Enzo Maresca responded by making a quartet of substitutions by the 61st minute, seeking to inject new life into his team's performance.

Those tactical changes yielded immediate dividends as substitute Pedro Neto scored his first goal since November. Neto's whipped cross sparked a dangerous sequence of events, ultimately culminating in a simple finish for the Portuguese winger after the ball was deflected back to him.

Back to winning ways for @ChelseaFC 😤#CHEWHU pic.twitter.com/fLkiGmR2Om

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 3, 2025

Neto's equalizer breathed new life into the contest, with Mohammed Kudus soon heading Jarrod Bowen's cross onto the post, although he was deemed offside. Meanwhile, Chelsea's improved performance eventually paid off as they took the lead, courtesy of an unfortunate intervention by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose touch sent Palmer's cross looping over Areola.

Chelsea continued to push for more goals in the final minutes, with Alphonse Areola making a crucial intervention to prevent another own goal, this time from Konstantinos Mavropanos. Shortly after, Cole Palmer came close to scoring again, but his effort curled just wide of the post.

⏫ @ChelseaFC move up to fourth after a 2-1 win over West Ham!#CHEWHU pic.twitter.com/bH2YDkeFuv

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 3, 2025

Despite those missed opportunities, Chelsea held on to secure a vital 2-1 victory, which propels them back into the top four. This win extends the Blues' impressive home record, having lost just once in 17 matches at Stamford Bridge in all competitions (W12, D4). Tosin Adarabioyo's late block on Mohammed Kudus' attempt helped seal the three points.

The defeat leaves West Ham in 15th place, seven points adrift of the top half, and marks their third consecutive Premier League defeat against Chelsea, a feat they last suffered in 2011.