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Chelsea
substitutes Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell inspired a 2-1 comeback win over West
Ham as VAR contentiously chalked off a late equaliser by Maxwel Cornet.
Thomas Tuchel's side could not afford another defeat after Tuesday's 2-1 loss at
Southampton and things looked bleak for the home side when Michail Antonio poked
in from close range to put West Ham in front (62).
But Chelsea roared back into life after going behind, with Chilwell equalising
off the bench (76) before setting up Havertz for what proved to be the winner
(88).
West Ham substitute Cornet, who struck the post with a free header before
Havertz's late goal, thought he had redeemed himself with a stoppage-time winner
only for VAR to rule the goal out for a very soft foul on Edouard Mendy by
Jarrod Bowen.
Chelsea getting back to winning ways moves them momentarily up to fifth, while
West Ham languish in 17th just above the relegation zone after claiming only one
win from their opening six games.
Player ratings
Chelsea: Mendy (4); Fofana (6), Silva (8), Koulibably
(6); James (7), Gallagher (5), Kovacic (6), Cucurella (6); Loftus-Cheek
(5), Sterling (6), Pulisic (6).
Subs: Jorginho (n/a), Broja (7), Mount (7), Chilwell
(9)Havertz (8).
West Ham: Fabianski (7), Coufal (6), Zouma (8), Kehrer
(6), Emerson (6), Rice (7), Soucek (6), Paqueta (7), Bowen (6), Fornals
(6), Antonio (7).
Subs: Cornet (7), Ogbonna (n/a), Benrahma (7).
Man of the match: Ben Chilwell.
How Chelsea snatched a late win with the help of VAR
Chelsea were looking to put a frustrating August behind them against West Ham,
but it was more of the same for most of the first half as they struggled to
trouble the visitors, with ex-Blues defender Kurt Zouma putting in a solid
display.
The best chance of the half fell to Christian Pulisic, but his tame effort was
blocked by West Ham's record-signing Lucas Paqueta on his full league debut.
Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic also tested the West Ham goal from the edge of
the area, but fired narrowly wide.
Neither team was able to register a shot on target in what was a forgettable
first half, with Pablo Fornals hitting West Ham's only shot of the half over the
bar as Chelsea's expensive new back line - which included £75m debutant Wesley
Fofana - had a largely quiet opening 45 minutes.
It was a fast start to the second half for both teams, but West Ham made the
breakthrough as Declan Rice capitalised on some weak goalkeeping by Mendy from a
corner to set up Antonio, who tapped in with the ball basically on the line.
The arrival of Havertz and Chilwell off the bench made all the difference for
Chelsea as the left-back produced a smart front-post finish to level the game
before turning provider for the Germany forward as he claimed his first goal of
the season to win the game for the Blues.
Cornet thought he had won the game for West Ham prior to Havertz's goal when
Said Benrahma's cross found him free at the back post only to watch his header
strike the post. The West Ham forward, though, can feel aggrieved after VAR
harshly ruled out what would have been a stoppage-time equaliser for a soft
challenge on Mendy by Bowen.
Tuchel subs make the difference
Thomas Tuchel made five changes from the Chelsea team that lost 2-1 to
Southampton, sending a message to some of his more regular starters after an
underwhelming start to the season.
Mount, Havertz, Chilwell and Jorginho watched on from the bench as Chelsea
struggled to create any clear-cut chances for the first hour or so.
But their arrival - along with the impact of youngster Armando Broja, who
produced another impressive cameo - injected some passion into the game and
changed things for Chelsea as they responded impressively to going a goal down.
It was Chilwell who stole the show, though, providing a goal and an assist from
the left wing-back position. Tuchel said after the game he looks like he is
"lacking rhythm" in training, but the England international was supremely sharp
when he came on and was decisive off the bench.
The performance of Havertz will be a boost to all Chelsea fans as he reacted
well to playing with his new striking rival Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang watching
from the stands, scoring his first goal of the season. Another plus for Chelsea,
who have lacked a cutting edge up front for most of the season.
What's next?
Chelsea's next fixture is in Croatia on Tuesday September 6, when they begin
their Champions League campaign away to Dinamo Zagreb, kick-off at 5.45pm.
The Blues are then back in Premier League action on Saturday September 10, when
they will make the short journey across west London to Fulham, kick-off at
12.30pm.
West Ham also begin their European journey in midweek, when they host Steaua
Bucharest on Thursday September 8, kick-off at 8pm.
The Hammers will then host Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday September
11, kick-off at 2pm, live on Sky Sports.
Click Here For Official Team Sheet
Teams
Chelsea Mendy, Fofana, Silva (c), Koulibaly, James, Gallagher
(Broja 60), Loftus-Cheek (Jorginho 83), Kovacic (Havertz 72), Cucurella
(Chilwell 72), Pulisic (Mount 60), Sterling
Subs Not Used Kepa, Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Ziyech
Booked Loftus-Cheek, Cucurella, James, Havertz
Goals Chilwell 76, Havertz 88
West Ham United Fabianski, Coufal, Kehrer, Zouma, Emerson,
Soucek, Rice (c), Bowen, Paqueta (Ogbonna 83), Fornals (Cornet 86), Antonio
Benrahma 74)
Subs Not Used Areola, Randolph, Coventry, Downes, Lanzini
Booked Antonio, Kehrer
Goals Antonio 63
Attendance 39,923
Referee Andy Madley
VAR Jarred Gillett