Player Ratings: Chelsea Produce Great Comeback to Beat West Ham United at Stamford Bridge

EPL Index

·3 Februari 2025

Player Ratings: Chelsea Produce Great Comeback to Beat West Ham United at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea vs West Ham United: A Thrilling Premier League Encounter

In a thrilling Monday night fixture, Chelsea edged out West Ham United 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, a result that propels them into fourth place in the Premier League standings. This victory, though marked by periods of anxiety, is a significant boost for Chelsea as they continue to push for a top-four finish this season.

First Half Frustrations

The match started with high expectations as Chelsea, under the guidance of Graham Potter, aimed to dominate their London rivals. However, the first half told a different story. Chelsea’s play lacked the required intensity and creativity, and they were punished for it. Just before the break, Jarrod Bowen, making a notable return for West Ham, pounced on a misplaced pass from Levi Colwill to put the visitors ahead.

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Chelsea’s response was almost immediate, with Cole Palmer forcing a spectacular save from West Ham’s goalkeeper Alphonse Areola after a well-struck free-kick. Despite their efforts, Chelsea went into half-time trailing, setting the stage for a necessary comeback.

Photo: IMAGO

Turning Point in the Second Half

The second half saw Chelsea still searching for that spark. Their persistence paid off in the 64th minute when Pedro Neto, coming on as a substitute, found the back of the net after Enzo Fernandez’s effort was blocked. The goal was not without controversy, with West Ham feeling aggrieved over a missed foul in the lead-up and a tight offside decision that went Chelsea’s way.

With the scores level, Chelsea’s fortunes turned dramatically minutes later. A fortunate deflection off West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka from a Palmer cross ended up in the net, giving Chelsea a lead they would not relinquish. Despite West Ham’s efforts to equalise, Chelsea held on for a crucial three points.

Closing Moments

In the game’s dying embers, Chelsea looked for a third goal to seal the deal but managed to maintain their slender lead, securing their second league win of the year. The victory was vital, not just for the points but also for the morale of a team looking to solidify its position in the top echelons of the Premier League.

Player Ratings: Chelsea’s and West Ham’s Performances

Chelsea

GK: Filip Jorgensen – 7
RB: Reece James – 8
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo – 7
CB: Levi Colwill – 7
LB: Marc Cucurella – 8
DM: Moises Caicedo – 8
DM: Enzo Fernandez – 8
RW: Noni Madueke – 7
AM: Cole Palmer – 8
LW: Jadon Sancho – 7
ST: Nicolas Jackson – 6
SUB: Marc Guiu – 7
SUB: Pedro Neto – 8
SUB: Christopher Nkunku – 6
SUB: Malo Gusto – 7
SUB: Trevoh Chalobah – N/A

West Ham

GK: Alphonse Areola – 6
CB: Vladimir Coufal – 7
CB: Max Kilman – 6
CB: Aaron Cresswell – 6
RM: Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5
CM: Tomas Soucek – 7
CM: Andy Irving – 6
LM: Emerson – 6
AM: Mohammed Kudus – 6
AM: Carlos Soler – 7
ST: Jarrod Bowen – 8
SUB: Konstantinos Mavropanos – 7
SUB: Oliver Scarles – 6
SUB: Danny Ings – 6
SUB: Lewis Orford – 6
SUB: Luis Guilherme – N/A

This nerve-wracking match not only highlighted the tactical nuances of both teams but also underscored the unpredictable nature of Premier League football. Chelsea’s climb up the table continues, while West Ham will rue missed opportunities but take heart from their spirited display.