Chelsea’s unbeaten record on the road continues
Image credit: Premier League
Chelsea secured a dominant 3-0 victory over West Ham United, showcasing their attacking prowess in a London derby that left the hosts reeling.
Nicolas Jackson was the star of the match, scoring twice and assisting Cole Palmer, as the Blues moved into the top four of the Premier League.
From the outset, Chelsea took control, with Jackson striking early in the 4th minute after a swift counter-attack, sliding the ball through Alphonse Areola’s legs.
The West Ham defense appeared lackluster, lacking the urgency typically seen in a derby, and Jackson quickly capitalized, adding a second goal in the 18th minute with a composed finish from a pinpoint through-ball by Moises Caicedo.
Despite a brief resurgence from West Ham, including a disallowed goal for offside, the game effectively ended just 68 seconds into the second half when Jackson turned provider, setting up Palmer for a near-post finish to make it 3-0.
This result marked a historic low for West Ham, as it was their third consecutive home defeat to start a league campaign, an unwanted record in the club’s 129-year history.
While manager Julen Lopetegui is in the early stages of implementing a new possession-based style, the lack of pressing and intent from his players felt more like a pre-season friendly than the intensity expected in a London derby.
For Chelsea, Jackson’s performance was particularly impressive. After a modest return last season, the 23-year-old is on track for a prolific campaign, netting four goals in five Premier League matches so far. His sharpness and hunger for goals, combined with a burgeoning partnership with winger Jadon Sancho—who made his full debut—promise exciting prospects for Chelsea.
What the Managers Said
Julen Lopetegui (West Ham United):
It’s a bad day, for sure. We lost one match that we had big expectations to compete much better. hey have been soft goals that we have suffered. Before the first goal, we had a clear chance withKudus but after we have to be more consistent and we cannot accept this action..
Enzo Maresca (Chelsea):
It was a good game and a great result, and keeping a clean sheet was important. We still have areas to improve in both attack and defense, but overall, we’re heading in the right direction. Nicolas has been fantastic, not just for his goals but for his overall work on the pitch. This is just the beginning for him and the team.”
With their away unbeaten run extending, Chelsea will seek to maintain their momentum in upcoming fixtures, while West Ham faces urgent questions ahead of their next match.