At the Olympic Stadium on 22/8, Chelsea's start was far from ideal. Star player Cole Palmer suffered an injury during warm-up and was replaced by Brazilian teenager Estevao. After leaving the warm-up early and heading down the tunnel, the English midfielder took his place on the Chelsea bench as the match kicked off.

Cole Palmer suffered an injury during warm-up and sat on the bench during Chelsea's 5-1 victory over West Ham in the second round of the Premier League on 22/8/2025. Photo: Chelsea FC

Cole Palmer suffered an injury during warm-up and sat on the bench during Chelsea's 5-1 victory over West Ham in the second round of the Premier League on 22/8/2025. Photo: Chelsea FC

West Ham took only six minutes to open the scoring with a stunning long-range strike from Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta. However, this was the extent of the home side's success.

In the 15th minute, from a right-wing corner, Marc Cucurella's header found Joao Pedro, who nodded the ball into an empty net to equalize. This marked Pedro's first Premier League goal for Chelsea, following his 82 million USD transfer from Brighton.

In the 23rd minute, Pedro continued to make his mark with a cross to the far post, which Pedro Neto tapped in past goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. In the 34th minute, it was the turn of newcomer Estevao—who recently joined Chelsea for 38 million USD from Palmeiras—to set up Enzo Fernandez, making it 3-1. At 18 years and 120 days old, Estevao became the youngest Chelsea player to provide an assist in Premier League history.

In the second half, Chelsea added two more goals through Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah, both from corner kicks, sealing a 5-1 victory. This was the 10th time in Premier League history that a club scored at least five goals in their first away game of the season. Chelsea was also the most recent club to achieve this feat, with a 6-2 win at Wolves in the 2024-2025 season.

Trevoh Chalobah (left) celebrates his goal with Joao Pedro. Photo: AP

Trevoh Chalobah (left) celebrates his goal with Joao Pedro. Photo: AP

Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea has earned more points than any other team in London derbies in the Premier League since the start of the 2024-2025 season (26 points from seven wins, five draws, and two losses).

Meanwhile, West Ham continued to disappoint after their opening 3-0 defeat at newly promoted Sunderland. For the first time in their history, West Ham conceded eight goals in their first two league games.

In the third round of the Premier League, Chelsea returns home to face Fulham, while West Ham travels to Nottingham Forest.

Hong Duy