Chelsea secured a second Premier League win in as many games under manager Xabi Alonso as they came out on top in another thrilling contest beating Brighton 4-3 at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues dominated the first half and took advantage of some early pressure, and a mistake from Bart Verbruggen, as Romeo Lavia poked in the opening goal. Pedro Neto then arrived in the far side of the box to meet a Morgan Rogers cross to double the lead but Joao Pedro rolled in a fine finish to send Chelsea three goals up.
But Brighton pulled a goal back before the break as Malick Yalcouye blasted in a rocket to keep the Seagulls in the game. Things improved for the visitors as a Pascal Gross shot deflected off Joao Pedro to reduce the deficit to one.
Cole Palmer calmed the nerves with a beautifully worked goal before Gross nodded in the seventh goal of the game just seconds before the final whistle. Two wins from two for Chelsea in another chaotic encounter.
Relive the latest from the Premier League clash with our live blog below:
Read MoreChelsea complete surprise signing of Emiliano Martinez as World Cup winner finally gets his move
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Inside the Premier League’s wild spending spree: ‘£100m is the new baseline’
Chelsea vs Brighton LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
- Chelsea defeat Brighton 4-3 in Premier League | Live on Sky Sports
- 90+5' GOAL! Gross powers in headed effort but it's too late for a comeback (CHE 4-3 BHA)
- 74' GOAL! Palmer scores to restore two-goal lead (CHE 4-2 BHA)
- 64' GOAL! Pascal Gross cross deflects off Joao Pedro (CHE 3-2 BHA)
- 35' GOAL! Yalcouye pulls goal back for Brighton (CHE 3-1 BHA)
- 32' GOAL! Joao Pedro continues Chelsea dominance (CHE 3-0 BHA)
- 14' GOAL! Pedro Neto meets Rogers' cross and doubles lead (CHE 2-0 BHA)
- 4' GOAL! Lavia pokes in opening goal after Brighton error (CHE 1-0 BHA)
Xabi Alonso on Moises Caicedo injury scare
18:48 , Jack Rathborn"We hope it is not new and not more than last time,” Alonso said.
“He was cautious to stop, his feeling was not the best, but we have to assess."
After more chaos, Chelsea must add the final piece to challenge for the title
18:25 , Jack RathbornAs two former Chelsea managers and the entire current hierarchy watched on, Xabi Alonso’s burgeoning team put on the kind of show that the ownership have long desired. If the World Cup has attuned all of American finance to football, this type of entertainment is why.
There was even a bit of edge to a frantic 4-3 win over Brighton, just to add to the theatre - and none of it was from new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Cole Palmer, in front of Thomas Tuchel, illustrated why the England manager was wrong to leave him out of the World Cup by letting fly for the crucial match-winning goal. Joao Pedro, in front of Carlo Ancelotti, illustrated why the Brazil manager was wrong to leave him out of the World Cup by slotting in the third.
After more chaos, Chelsea must add the final piece to challenge for the title
Chelsea produce alarming possession and passing stats despite win
17:52 , Jack RathbornChelsea had 25.6 per cent possession against Brighton, and just 146 successful passes, according to Opta.
These were their lowest figures on record since the 2003/04 campaign.
Their 67.0 per cent pass accuracy was their lowest in a home league game since February 2004 v Charlton (65.9 per cent).
Alonso dismisses concern over Chelsea possession and passing stats
17:55 , Jack Rathborn“You need to have context,” Alonso said when asked about the team’s alarmingly low possession against Brighton (25.6 per cent).
“After 30 minutes, we have 3-0. The data is not important, it’s how we play and what we can do.
“I never say we have to have 60 per cent, 50 per cent… we need to adapt.”
Emi Martinez reacts to Chelsea win on debut and inspiration from club legends
16:27 , Jack Rathborn"Obviously, I speak of legends, JT and Petr,” Martinez says.
“I knew how big this club is, I came here to help, seven years at Villa, I came here to challenge myself and win the Premier League."
Joao Pedro reacts to Chelsea win over Brighton
16:17 , Jack Rathborn"Everyone knows his quality, he came to help us, could see today, he's a special player, special keeper, he has everything to help us through this season,” Joao Pedro tells Sky Sports.
"The game today, a special game, I think I helped my teammates, I fight until the end, the three points is very important for us. I think in the front three, we know each other, we try to help, when Cole doesn't score, Morgan will be there, hopefully we can achieve a lot."
Chelsea go perfect
16:08 , Mike JonesAlong with Manchester City and Hull, Chelsea have gone perfect over their opening matchdays of the new Premier League season.
They are two wins from two and are level on six points with the two mentioned teams.
However, Chelsea’s ability to concede goals means they sit third in the table with a goal difference of +2.
The Blues have scored seven and conceded five in two matches.
Elsewhere...
16:00 , Alan SmithDominic Calvert-Lewin levelled to earn Leeds a point at home to Brentford.
And Wilson Isidor struck in the second half to earn Sunderland the win at home to Fulham.
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 4-3 Brighton
15:56 , Alan SmithThat is the last act.
It is two from two for Alonso in the league, three in all competitions, but they remain a curious team. At times they were rampant in attack here but defensively there remain loud question marks that not even Emi Martinez could answer on his debut between the posts.
GOAL! Chelsea 4-3 Brighton (Gross, 90+5)
15:55 , Alan SmithSurely not? A long fling into the box is not dealt with and Gross rises high to meet a botched clearance, heading past Martinez.
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton
15:54 , Alan Smith94’ - We’re into the final minute.
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton
15:52 , Alan Smith93’ - Oliver sees something he doesn’t like in the box and awards Chelsea a free out. It’s unclear where the foul is but the hosts seem happy.
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton
15:51 , Alan Smith92’ - Joao Pedro has been named man of the match.
Brighton have a corner but there is not a huge amount of urgency.
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton
15:50 , Alan Smith90’ - Costinha is now booked for pulling Joao Pedro’s shirt as the Brazilian tried to counterattack.
There will be five added minutes.
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton
15:49 , Alan Smith88’ - Rogers turns De Cuyper and then has his foray forward ended by a rough Boscagli tackle. It’s a worthy yellow card for the Brighton midfield player.
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton
15:45 , Alan Smith84’ - Brighton look less likely now, the Palmer goal a killer blow. But they have been quite good aside from the early defensive errors and there will be positives for Hurzeler to take forward.
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton
15:41 , Alan Smith81’ - Caicedo, not on long, is hobbling off and straight down the tunnel. Barco is in for the final 10 or so minutes.
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton
15:40 , Alan Smith80’ - Two more Brighton changes and they are like for like as David and Costinha enter in place of Kostoulas and Wieffer.
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton
15:36 , Alan Smith76’ - The TV director focuses on Tuchel in the stands. Expect this to happen every time he is at a Chelsea game in which Palmer produces something.
GOAL! Chelsea 4-2 Brighton (Palmer, 74)
15:35 , Alan SmithThat should settle it. And it’s a beauty from Palmer, who runs diagonally, starting on the right and ending up on the edge of the box, before curling beautifully past Verbruggen. Plenty of Brighton players chased but none could get near him.
Chelsea 3-2 Brighton
15:33 , Alan Smith74’ - Brighton’s first change sees Yalcouye, the scorer of their first, replaced by Osman.
Chelsea 3-2 Brighton
15:32 , Alan Smith73’- Wieffer takes one on the face by blocking Rogers’ shot. He’s sore but will fine to continue and his next act will be to defend the corner he conceded.
James’ delivery amounts to no cause for panic and Brighton have a goal kick.
Chelsea 3-2 Brighton
15:31 , Alan Smith72’ - Chelsea’s fourth change sees Chavarria replace Colwill.
Chelsea 3-2 Brighton
15:30 , Alan Smith71’ - From the subsequent free kick, Palmer’s delivery is nodded wide by Lacroix.
Chelsea 3-2 Brighton
15:30 , Alan Smith71’ - Brighton are upping the pressure big time now. Martinez makes another good save, this time from Boscagli.
From there Chelsea break and Pedro is through... before Dunk slides in and stops. A yellow card worth taking.
Chelsea 3-2 Brighton
15:27 , Alan Smith68’ - A triple sub for Chelsea.
Caicedo, James and Acheampong are on.
Lavia, Neto and Fofana are off.
Chelsea 3-2 Brighton
15:24 , Alan Smith65’ - Now Gomez rattles the side-netting after a deep cross drops to him.
Alonso is about to ring the changes because Chelsea look rattled.
GOAL! Chelsea 3-2 Brighton (Pedro, 64og)
15:24 , Alan SmithBut from that corner Brighton have pulled another back. It’s taken short and they work a series of passes before Yalcouye threads one to Gross, who gets in behind Palmer too easily. Gross then crosses and it deflects off Joao Pedro, the ball’s trajectory tricking everyone and ending up in the net.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
15:22 , Alan Smith62’ - Good save Martinez. Gomez smashes a shot from inside the right side of the penalty area but the new Chelsea goalkeeper gets a firm hand to it, turning danger away for a corner.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
15:20 , Alan Smith61’ - Neto is back on a minute later.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
15:19 , Alan Smith60’ - Neto requires treatment after going to ground following that shot. He is off the pitch and Chelsea are momentarily down to 10 men.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
15:18 , Alan Smith58’ - Chelsea know they could do with a fourth. Neto has the beating of Kadioglu, who is too soft, and the forward cuts in but has his effort from a tight angle parried by Verbruggen. From the next phase Rogers squares to Palmer but his first-time attempt is wide.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
15:16 , Alan Smith55’ - Fofana is booked for a foul on De Cuyper, who goes down in a heap, but play continues until Neto commits a separate foul. From the free kick, wide on the left, Boscagli sends in an inviting delivery for Gomez. He rises high and meets it well but his effort is across goal and wide.
That is a let off for Chelsea, whose marking was slack.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
15:11 , Alan Smith50’ - Verbruggen plucks a tame corner from Gusto out of the sky and tries to set Gross away quickly. The midfielder is dozing, permitting Neto to intercept and then Gross fouls him.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
15:09 , Alan Smith49’ - Martinez makes a routine save and then darts a long pass out of his hands for Pedro to take down. The Brazilian controls and shimmies left, right, left and right again before having a shot blocked.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
15:08 , Alan Smith49’ - The officials’ communication system is down. The match continues as normal.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
15:07 , Alan Smith48 ‘ - It appears to same pattern will continue - Brighton are on the ball, Chelsea are happy to let them have it, confident in their own ability to counter effectively.
Restarted! Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
15:05 , Alan Smith46’ - Palmer gets us going again.
There are no changes.
So far, so good for Alonso
14:58 , Alan SmithChelsea had 29% of the ball in that first half but nine attempts on goal produced four on target and three were converted.
Alonso will presumably be rather happy - even if the concession may be gnawing at him during the break.
Around the grounds
14:51 , Alan SmithKevin Schade has put Brentford in front away to Leeds. It remains scoreless between Sunderland and Fulham.
Half-time! Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
14:49 , Alan Smith47’ - Joao Pedro and Dunk collide. Chelsea want a free kick. Oliver says no and blows for the interval.
Chelsea have been clinical up top but their one defensive lapse in concentration has given Albion some hope.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
14:47 , Alan Smith47’ - Vuskovic has a shot from improbable range, maybe 40 yards out, and blasts over.
Bit of a waste.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
14:46 , Alan Smith44’ - Joao Pedro wins the ball and dances forward before gifting Brighton the ball with an inexplicable backheel. That allows the visitors to break but the Brazilian’s folly goes unpunished with Gomez heading wide.
There will be two added minutes.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
14:44 , Alan Smith43’ - Brighton win another corner. This one is on the right, De Cuyper swings it in but Oliver sees a foul and whistles for a free out.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
14:42 , Alan Smith41’ - Chelsea have responded well. Lavia wins a crunching tackle in midfield, Palmer sends in a teasing cross towards Joao Pedro and moments after Rogers drills a low shot wide.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
14:39 , Alan Smith37’ - Chelsea’s wait for a clean sheet goes on then. Martinez wasn’t at fault even if the goal was gaping following his initial block. But Alonso will be disappointed with how easy Brighton were able to progress down the right flank from a quick set-piece.
GOAL! Chelsea 3-1 Brighton (Yalcouye, 35)
14:37 , Alan SmithGame back on? Brighton take a quick throw down the right. Yalcouye then tries to find Kostoulas but Martinez is out quickly to deny the Greek.
Except it is only into the path of the Albion debutant and he drills a ferocious half-volley in off the post.
Chelsea 3-0 Brighton
14:35 , Alan Smith34’ - On the touchline Alonso is still delivering plenty of instructions for his team.
They are rampant though and Palmer, relatively quiet up to now, wins a corner after a sweet give-and-go with Rogers.
GOAL! Chelsea 3-0 Brighton (Joao Pedro, 32)
14:34 , Alan SmithThere’s no mistake this time! Pedro tucks home a low delivery from Hato after the wing back charges down the left, past Wieffer, and submits a nice cross that the Brazilian forward tucks away, absolving himself of the earlier miss.
Chelsea 2-0 Brighton
14:31 , Alan Smith29’ - But now they’ve had an attempt. Gomez floats a lovely pass over the top that evades Fofana and is met by Yalcouye. He puts it on target but Martinez saves.
The Chelsea subs are out to warm up. Valentin Barco receives the expected reaction from Brighton’s fans.
Chelsea 2-0 Brighton
14:29 , Alan Smith28’ - Vuskovic punts a long ball forward towards Kostoulas but Fofana eases the Brighton striker away from the ball and allows it to drift out for a goal kick.
For all their possession, Albion are looking rather uninspired.
Chelsea 2-0 Brighton
14:27 , Alan Smith25’ - It should be three! Fofana finds Neto down the right. He chops in and centres to Pedro.
The Brazilian, brilliant up to now, hesitates and takes a touch instead of shooting first time. He tries to be too clever and sends a scuffed effort across goal and wide.
Chelsea 2-0 Brighton
14:25 , Alan Smith24’ - We’re watching more Brighton possession that is going nowhere but sideways.
Chelsea 2-0 Brighton
14:23 , Alan Smith22’ - Brighton win another corner. This one is met by a loud shout of “keeper!” and Martinez catches it with ease.
Chelsea 2-0 Brighton
14:21 , Alan Smith20’ - A graphic flashes up showing Chelsea have had three shots, all on target, compared to Brighton’s nil but the possession stats read 72% in the visitors favour.
The problem is they have not converted it into much of note and their hosts have capitalised on defensive sloppiness.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Brighton (Neto, 14)
14:16 , Alan SmithAnd it’s two. From the free kick won by Pedro, Chelsea advance down the left flank.
Rogers cuts in and sends a low cross towards Neto. He is quicker than Kadioglu to the ball and produces a clinical finish to leave Verbruggen with no chance.
Chelsea are look very, very good here.
Chelsea 1-0 Brighton
14:14 , Alan Smith13’ - Pedro nutmegs Gross but Gomez is not having it and quickly trips him.
The camera pans to Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazil head coach, in the stands.
Chelsea 1-0 Brighton
14:10 , Alan Smith10’ - A second Brighton corner now. This one is struck too deep and goes straight out for a goal kick.
Chelsea 1-0 Brighton
14:10 , Alan Smith9’ - After Michael Oliver delivers a talking to following some pre-emptive grappling from both sides, the corner is eventually taken towards the near stick and Martinez punches it away.
Chelsea 1-0 Brighton
14:09 , Alan Smith7’ - Brighton are on the front foot quickly and Yalcouye wins a corner down the inside left. The big men will be coming up and we may be about to see Martinez tested for the first time in a Chelsea shirt.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Brighton (Lavia, 4)
14:06 , Alan SmithAnd from the corner Chelsea lead. It’s a shocker for Brighton but Lavia gets the final touch, prodding home from close range.
Neto’s delivery was first met by Joao Pedro. His glancing header is stopped on the line by Wieffer but he then goes for seconds while Verbruggen tries to catch it, gifting possession to Lavia.
From about four yards he pokes home for the easiest goal of the weekend.
Chelsea 0-0 Brighton
14:05 , Alan Smith3’ - Fofana, back from a suspension handed down last season, advances well down the right. Brighton fail to clear, allowing Neto and Rogers to combine. The Portugal winger eventually earns a corner, via a Dunk deflection.
Kick-off! Chelsea 0-0 Brighton
14:02 , Alan Smith1’ - We’re underway - the visitors, in white, white and blue, kick off from left to right as we watch. Chelsea are in blue, blue and white.
Bates and Tambling remembered
14:00 , Alan SmithThe teams are out but before we get underway the hosts are remembering two pivotal figures in their history who passed away this summer - former chairman Ken Bates and Bobby Tambling, who was the club’s record goalscorer before Frank Lampard.
Wreaths have been placed on the pitch and there is a minute’s applause for both men.
Chelsea vs Brighton
13:55 , Mike JonesChelsea take on Brighton in their first home league game of the season with Xabi Alonso aiming to build on their victory from a week ago.
The atmosphere is bubbling away nicely as the players stride out onto the pitch.
Emi Martinez should give Chelsea more confidence and experience at the back so can Brighton find a way past the Argentinian goalkeeper?
We’ll find out shortly, kick off is up next...
Can Chelsea win at home?
13:50 , Mike JonesChelsea have only won their first home league game of the season once in the last seven campaigns (four draws, two defeats), beating Crystal Palace 3-0 in 2021-22.
Can Xabi Alonso’s Blues change that record at Stamford Bridge today?
10 minutes to go until kick off.
Brighton's top form
13:45 , Mike JonesBrighton have won eight of their last 13 Premier League games, after recording just one win in the prior 13 matches.
Since the start of that run (21st February), only Arsenal (30), Manchester City (28), and Manchester United (26) have more points in the competition.
Clinical and ruthless
13:40 , Mike JonesOnly Brighton (3.54) recorded a higher open play xG on the first gameweek of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign than Chelsea (1.96).
That is despite having 38.1% of the possession, their lowest in a league victory since May 2025 against Liverpool (35.3%).
Martinez to keep a clean sheet?
13:35 , Mike JonesChelsea have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 17 Premier League games.
It is their longest run in the top-flight since August 1991 (also 17), while they last endured a longer run in August 1961 (31 games).
Will Emi Martinez end that run today?
Xabi Alonso wants players with ‘desire to play’
13:30 , Mike JonesXabi Alonso said he wants players that “feel a desire to play” for Chelsea after Enzo Fernandez was left out of the squad for Thursday’s win over Luton.
It’s understood that there had been no formal contact from Manchester City over a proposed move for the Argentina international.
Xabi Alonso wants players with ‘desire to play’ amid Enzo Fernandez speculation
Should we expect goals?
13:23 , Mike JonesBrighton have won their last three Premier League games against Chelsea, netting exactly three goals each time.
The last team to score 3+ goals in four consecutive league games against the Blues were West Ham between 1972 and 1974.
Will Brighton have the edge?
13:17 , Mike JonesHaving been unbeaten in their first 10 Premier League games against Brighton (six wins, four draws), Chelsea have now lost five of their last eight against the Seagulls.
Does that give Brighton an edge against the Blues today?
Palmer to excel against the Seagulls?
13:12 , Mike JonesOnly against Wolves (5 goals, 3 assists) does Cole Palmer have more Premier League goal involvements against a side than Brighton (5 goals).
Will he add to that tally today?
Could Welbeck be key?
13:07 , Mike JonesChelsea’s Danny Welbeck is Brighton’s highest goalscorer in the Premier League, with 46 goals in 176 appearances for the Seagulls.
He’s also the highest goalscorer in Chelsea vs Brighton matches in the Premier League with six goals, four of which came at Stamford Bridge.
But, Welbeck starts from the bench this afternoon. Will he have the same impact as a sub?
Emi Martinez makes Chelsea debut as Xabi Alonso omits duo before transfer deadline day
13:02 , Mike JonesEmiliano Martinez will make his Chelsea debut immediately after signing for the club in a £7.5m deal from Aston Villa.
Chelsea confirmed the deal on Sunday morning, but uncertainty surrounded the time of the deal and the Premier League deadline ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Brighton at Stamford Bridge.
Martinez makes Chelsea debut as Alonso omits duo before transfer deadline
Brighton's high press
12:57 , Mike JonesBrighton recorded the most high turnovers (19) and joint-most shot ending high turnovers (5) of any side in the top-flight last weekend.
Only against Fulham in January 2021 and Chelsea in September 2024 have they recorded more high turnovers in a Premier League game (both 21).
Will they manage to pull off the same tactic against Chelsea today?
Chelsea's big team news
12:52 , Mike JonesSo it looks like Emiliano Martinez was registered in time to face Brighton this afternoon and he makes his Chelsea debut between the sticks.
Also of note is the fact that Enzo Fernandez has been dropped from the squad entirely amid rumours that he is closing in on a move to Manchester City.
Chelsea line-up to take on Brighton
12:48 , Mike JonesChelsea XI: Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Gusto, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro
Today's Blues. 💙✊#CFC | #CHEBHA pic.twitter.com/3FSKL8LAHm
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 30, 2026
Brighton team to face Chelsea
12:46 , Mike JonesBrighton XI: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Vuskovic, Boscagli, Dunk; Gross, Kadioglu; Gomez, Kostoulas, De Cuyper; Yalcouye
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Our #CHEBHA starting XI. 👊 pic.twitter.com/cVLx2PKKjV
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@BHAFC) August 30, 2026
Team news soon
12:41 , Mike JonesThe official line-ups will be dropping shortly so we’ll find out who starts for both teams and likely whether Emi Martinez was registered in time to play on Friday.
Line-ups are dropping next...
Chelsea's first game
12:32 , Mike JonesXabi Alonso’s Premier League debut as a manager got off to the perfect start as Chelsea defeated Fulham 3-2 in their first league game of the season.
But, it wasn’t as easy as it may look on the scoresheet.
Joao Pedro sent Chelsea into the lead in the first minute before an equaliser from Josh King pulled the Cottagers level.
Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer then created some daylight for the Blues either side of half-time but a goal from Gonzalo Garcia kept the match alive until the full-time whistle.
Chelsea’s opening win was then quickly followed by a 2-0 victory over Luton Town in the Carabao Cup and Alonso’s perfect start continues.
Will he lead Chelsea to victory over Brighton today as well?
Martinez gives thoughts on signing for Chelsea
12:26 , Mike JonesEmi Martinez has completed his move from Aston Villa to Chelsea though he will not feature today. That is because the Argentina goalkeeper was not registered in time for this afternoon’s clash with Brighton.
Still, that hasn’t stopped him from speaking out about his move.
“I’m delighted to be at this football club,” he said. “Coming to Chelsea, for me and my family, was an easy decision to make and I’m just over the moon - I can’t wait to get started.
“I want to be successful here. I'm someone who wants to win at everything I do and I want to bring that here to this football club because it’s a football club that wins titles, so I think it’s a good match.
“I’m all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100 per cent every game, every training session to make the club, my teammates and the supporters proud.”
Fabian Hurzeler hopes Danny Welbeck has a day off against former club
12:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleFabian Hurzeler expressed gratitude for his time working with Danny Welbeck but hopes the veteran Chelsea striker has a day off when he faces former club Brighton for the first time.
The 35-year-old scored 51 goals in 201 appearances in all competitions for Albion between 2020 and this summer’s somewhat surprising move to Stamford Bridge.
Welbeck scored his first Chelsea goal in the midweek Carabao Cup win against Luton at Stamford Bridge, where Brighton head on Sunday looking to follow-up their impressive opening weekend win against Aston Villa.
“Great personality, great player,” Albion boss Hurzeler said. “We had a really, really good relationship and, like I always said, I was really grateful working with him because he helped me a lot.
“He helped me on the pitch, he helped me beside the pitch and therefore I think being grateful in football is not the norm. You don’t have these kind of words a lot in football but I’m definitely grateful for working with him.
“On Sunday he can take a break and then afterwards I wish him all the best again.”
Cole Palmer highlights key difference in Chelsea role under Xabi Alonso
12:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleCole Palmer has revealed that Xabi Alonso has given him more freedom to express himself after taking over at Chelsea.
Palmer has made a strong start to the season, scoring and assisting in the 3-2 Premier League win against Fulham on Monday night.
Cole Palmer highlights key difference in Chelsea role under Xabi Alonso
What Chelsea’s madcap win over Fulham proves about new era of Premier League - and their title chances
12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleTo today, then, and a Chelsea team looking to build on a strong start at Fulham on Monday night. Miguel Delaney was there:
What Chelsea win v Fulham proves about new Premier League - and their title chances
Follow the latest transfer news LIVE
11:50 , Harry Latham-CoylePlenty happening, then, with just a couple of days to go in the summer transfer window. You can follow all of the latest twists and turns throughout the final flourish right here:
Transfers LIVE: Gakpo chooses City, Atletico give Alvarez deadline, Barcola medical
Chelsea complete surprise signing of Emiliano Martinez as World Cup winner finally gets his move
11:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleEnzo Fernandez may yet be on his way out of Chelsea, but a fellow World Cup winner has come in – Emiliano Martinez should solve the goalkeeping question for Xabi Alonso. Good business?
Chelsea complete surprise signing of Martinez as World Cup winner finally gets move
Inside the Premier League’s wild spending spree: ‘£100m is the new baseline’
11:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s been a pretty mad transfer summer, all told, with the Premier League appearing to operate in a market all of its own. Miguel Delaney examines the spending spree:
Inside the Premier League’s wild spending spree: ‘£100m is the new baseline’
Xabi Alonso wants players with ‘desire to play’ amid Enzo Fernandez speculation
11:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleXabi Alonso said he wants players that “feel a desire to play” for Chelsea after Enzo Fernandez was left out of the squad for Thursday’s win over Luton.
Xabi Alonso wants players with ‘desire to play’ amid Enzo Fernandez speculation
Chelsea outline new Enzo Fernandez stance amid Man City interest
11:12 , Miguel DelaneyChelsea want a higher price than £120m for Enzo Fernandez amid Manchester City’s ongoing interest in the midfielder.
Chelsea had long been open to business for a £120m fee for the Argentina international in what was already a complicated saga, but it is understood that no longer applies, partly due to how summer market valuations have risen.
One of the higher prices was the £116m fee City themselves paid to Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson this summer, and it now appears they would have to greatly increase on that club record to secure Fernandez.
Chelsea outline new Enzo Fernandez stance amid Man City interest
Enzo Fernandez set to be left out of Chelsea squad
11:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleHas Enzo Fernandez played his last game for Chelsea? Reports suggest that the Argentina midfielder is set to be left out of Xabi Alonso’s squad today.
Chelsea vs Brighton LIVE
10:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleAfter an encouraging start for Chelsea at near neighbours Fulham, Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first home Premier League game with Brighton the visitors to Stamford Bridge.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side were impressive victors against Aston Villa in their opener – can they trouble a team plenty are tipping for a title challenge?
