FIFA Club World Cup Champions, Chelsea unleashed a ruthless display to dismantle West Ham United 5-1 in a pulsating Premier League London derby at the London Stadium, marking their first win of the season and piling pressure on former coach, Graham Potter.
The Blues overcame an early setback when Lucas Paqueta fired West Ham ahead with a stunning long-range strike in the sixth minute. But Chelsea’s response was swift and devastating, embodying their demolition of the “Hammers” as described in viral fan posts.
João Pedro leveled the score in the 15th minute with a close-range header from a corner, before assisting Pedro Neto for the lead in the 23rd minute with a sweeping finish.
Enzo Fernández added a third in the 34th minute, tapping in after brilliant buildup play from teenage sensation Estêvão Willian.
The second half saw Moisés Caicedo celebrate his 100th Chelsea appearance by prodding home from another set-piece in the 54th minute, exploiting poor defending.
Trevoh Chalobah sealed the rout four minutes later, capitalizing on West Ham’s set-piece woes to make it 5-1.
Chelsea’s dominance was evident, with three goals from corners with the hosts’ fans streaming out early, frustrated after a second straight defeat following a 3-0 loss to Sunderland.
This result equals Chelsea’s joint-biggest away win over West Ham in league history, matching a 4-0 triumph in 2008.
Potter, facing his former club, lamented: “The boys gave everything. Despite the effort, West Ham remain winless in six home games, conceding eight goals in their opening two matches – the most in club history for a top-flight start.
The Blues next host Fulham, while West Ham face a crisis of confidence.