Chelsea began poorly at West Ham, conceding early and losing Cole Palmer to injury before kickoff. Palmer was seen jogging down the tunnel and was subsequently replaced by Estevao Willian. Estevao was dispossessed by Lucas Paqueta, who ran unopposed and lashed a shot past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Chelsea responded when Joao Pedro equalised after 15 minutes from a Pedro Neto corner flicked on by Marc Cucurella. Niclas Fullkrug had a West Ham goal ruled out for offside, and Chelsea then took the lead when Neto volleyed in from a Pedro cross following a Chalobah challenge.
Chelsea endured a miserable start at West Ham, falling behind and losing talismanic midfielder Cole Palmer to injury, before hitting back to lead midway through the first half. Palmer was seen jogging down the tunnel at the London Stadium prior to kick off, sparking fears the England international had sustained a problem and it was confirmed minutes later. He was replaced by Estevao Willian, and the Brazil youngster was soon in the thick of the action.
It would have been easy for Chelsea to capitulate in a hostile atmosphere but instead they hit back. Joao Pedro had already had a penalty appeal turned down after his run was blocked by Max Kilman but it was the former Brighton striker who dragged the Blues level after 15 minutes. Pedro Neto whipped in a corner from the right, Marc Cucurella flicked it on at the near post and Pedro nodded past Mads Hermansen.
West Ham thought they had gone back in front but Niclas Fullkrug's goal was ruled out for offside against Jean-Clair Todibo in the build-up and Chelsea rode their luck to score again. Trevoh Chalobah won the ball off Paqueta with a rugged challenge which West Ham felt was a foul. The ball was picked up by Pedro and his cross to the far post was met on the volley by Neto, who had got in front of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
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