Chelsea began their Premier League season with a 3-1 away win against Brighton as Timo Werner and Kai Havertz made their debuts.
Chelsea have made a number of marquee signings so far this summer, although only the German pair were fit enough to feature at the Amex Stadium. Werner, in particular, was lively on his first competitive Chelsea appearance and won a penalty in the 21st minute as Mat Ryan swiped at his legs, which Jorginho dispatched (23).
But Brighton – having strengthened well themselves in the transfer window thus far – had their fair share of chances and deservedly levelled when Leandro Trossard (54) fired home, with Kepa Arrizabalaga’s ability to deal with long-range strikes once again called into question.
But Chelsea restored their lead less than two minutes later when Reece James (56) drilled home his first Premier League goal in stunning fashion. Kurt Zouma then nabbed a goal himself with his shot diverting off the toe of Adam Webster, leaving Ryan rooted to the spot.
The victory marks a successful start for Frank Lampard’s new-look side – whose last two title wins have started with victory on a Monday evening – while Brighton will feel like they deserved something from the encounter.
After the strangest of pre-seasons in which these two sides met just over two weeks ago, the opening 20 minutes was a rather cagey affair as both found their feet. Werner looked lively throughout and it was his pace that won Chelsea’s penalty. Steven Alzate’s poor pass landed to Jorginho, who poked the ball through for his new team-mate, who was tripped by the onrushing Ryan.
It was a clear-cut penalty and Craig Pawson pointed to the spot with VAR agreeing with the decision. Jorginho lined it up and after a little jump in his run-up, easily dispatched past Ryan.
