Palmer seals seven-goal thriller as Alonso's Chelsea demolish Brighton 4-3 in Premier League opener

Cole Palmer struck the all-important fourth goal as Chelsea beat Brighton 4-3 at Stamford Bridge in a seven-goal Premier League thriller, giving new manager Xabi Alonso back-to-back wins to open his tenure and sending the home crowd into raptures.

The match was a vivid statement of intent from a Chelsea side that looked both thrillingly adventurous and defensively fragile. Romeo Lavia broke the deadlock after just four minutes, pouncing on a dreadful mix-up between Brighton midfielder Mats Wieffer and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to squeeze home — his first goal in four injury-disrupted years, and a particularly poignant one given his last had come for Southampton against Chelsea back in August 2022.

Chelsea were 2-0 up inside 14 minutes when Pedro Neto swept in a low cross from Morgan Rogers, though Brighton’s bench were incensed after Jorrel Hato’s throw-in appeared to be taken from the wrong position. Joao Pedro then added a third, recovering from an earlier miss to convert Hato’s low cross and extend the lead.

Brighton clawed their way back into the contest, and Joao Pedro added a moment of unintended comedy by turning the ball into his own net in front of the away supporters who had spent the afternoon taunting their former striker. Palmer’s composed finish ultimately settled the contest and ensured Chelsea held on despite the visitors’ persistence.

Emiliano Martinez made his debut in goal following his high-profile move to the club, and while Chelsea’s defensive record remains a concern — three goals conceded at home is hardly reassuring — the presence of a goalkeeper of his calibre offers some insurance behind what Alonso will know is a backline in need of tightening.

Pedro Neto impressed in an unfamiliar right wing-back role, and the front three of Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers drew widespread praise for their movement and creativity. The absence of Enzo Fernandez, reportedly on the verge of a late move to Manchester City, went largely unnoticed amid the attacking fluency on display.

The one note of concern for Alonso came when Moises Caicedo limped off just 14 minutes after being introduced as a substitute, a potential injury worry ahead of a demanding schedule.

Chelsea’s next fixture is a trip to face reigning champions Arsenal, a contest that already carries significant weight given the form both sides have shown early in the season.