Chelsea continued their fine form with a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham United in a London derby at the London Stadium.
Nicolas Jackson was the standout performer, netting twice in the first half to bring his Premier League tally to four goals in five matches this season. Cole Palmer added the third shortly after the break, sealing a memorable away day for Chelsea.
Strong Start for Chelsea
The Blues wasted no time in asserting themselves. After an early save from Robert Sanchez to deny West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Chelsea took the lead just four minutes in.
Enzo Fernandez’s quick thinking off a free kick released Jackson, who exchanged passes with Jadon Sancho before sprinting down the left.
The Senegalese striker calmly finished by slotting the ball between West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola’s legs to make it 1-0.
West Ham looked dangerous at times, with Kudus nearly finding Crysencio Summerville in the box, but Chelsea kept the momentum. Jackson continued to torment the Hammers’ defense, setting up Palmer for a close-range effort that went just wide.
Jackson Strikes Again
Chelsea doubled their lead in the 18th minute after a classic passage of play under manager Enzo Maresca.
A quick combination between Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in midfield set Jackson free once again. With composure, Jackson finished with the outside of his boot to find the bottom corner and put the Blues firmly in control.
Despite a couple of moments of defensive fragility, Chelsea held firm, with West Ham unable to capitalize on their chances.
Jarrod Bowen wasted a golden opportunity to pull one back, firing wide from ten yards out. Kudus also had a goal disallowed for offside, frustrating the home fans even further.
Third Goal Seals the Win
Chelsea’s dominance continued into the second half. Just minutes after the restart, a rapid counter-attack saw Jackson drive forward from inside his own half. He laid the ball off to Palmer, who expertly curled a left-footed strike into the far top corner to make it 3-0 and effectively end the contest.
West Ham did threaten briefly, with Bowen forcing another save from Sanchez, and Levi Colwill making a crucial goalline clearance following a dangerous Kudus cross. However, Chelsea remained in control and continued to push for a fourth goal.
Substitutions and Final Push
Maresca showcased Chelsea’s squad depth by introducing Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Joao Felix in the second half. Their arrival kept the pressure on West Ham, with Felix nearly scoring after hitting the side-netting with a half-volley, and Caicedo seeing a shot blocked in the box.
Despite creating more chances, Chelsea couldn’t find a fourth goal. Felix came close with the last kick of the game, just missing the bottom corner after another quick counter-attack. The final whistle blew with the scoreline at 3-0, a well-deserved win for Chelsea.
What It Means
This victory lifts Chelsea to second place in the Premier League, at least temporarily, as it was the first match of the weekend. League leaders Manchester City remain top with 12 points, while Arsenal and Newcastle United sit below Chelsea on goal difference, also with 10 points.
### Next Up for Chelsea
Chelsea will turn their attention to the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, when they host League Two side Barrow. The match kicks off at 7.45 pm at Stamford Bridge, with tickets available for purchase.
### Team Line-ups
**Chelsea (4-2-3-1):**
Sanchez; Fofana (Disasi 57), Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo (c) (Dewsbury-Hall 84); Madueke, Palmer (Joao Felix 63), Sancho (Neto 57); Jackson (Nkunku 63)
*Substitutes not used:* Jorgensen, Disasi, Badiashile, Veiga, Mudryk
*Bookings:* Fofana 45, Cucurella 72
*Goals:* Jackson 4, 18, Palmer 47
West Ham (4-3-3):
Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson (Cresswell 73); Alvarez (Soler 54), Rodriguez (Soucek 38), Paqueta (Irving 73); Summerville (Antonio 54), Bowen, Kudus
Substitutes not used: Fabianski, Coufal, Ings, Tobido
Bookings: Soucek 47, Alvarez 49, Kilman 77, Soler 90+3
Goals: None
Referee: Sam Barrott