Chelsea Slaughter West Ham 5-1, Pressure on Graham Potter Intensifies

Chelsea truly showed their class when facing West Ham United in a Premier League continuation match at the London Stadium, Friday (22/8) night. The Blues, who initially fell behind, managed to brilliantly bounce back and close the match with a massive 5-1 victory. This result not only brought relief to Enzo Maresca’s squad but also added immense pressure on West Ham manager, Graham Potter, who is now under sharp scrutiny.

A Surprising Start from West Ham

The match had only been running for six minutes when Lucas Paquetá made the home supporters cheer with delight. The Brazilian midfielder unleashed a beautiful long-range shot that curled past Robert Sánchez’s reach. The quick goal gave West Ham a 1-0 lead and offered hope that they could improve their poor start after being thrashed 0-3 by Sunderland in the first week.

However, that happiness did not last long. Chelsea immediately rose and found their game rhythm. Joao Pedro, who had just been signed from Brighton, equalized in the 15th minute with a well-placed header, utilizing a cross from Marc Cucurella from the left side. This goal seemed to open the floodgates for The Blues’ attack.

Chelsea Turn the Tables

Just eight minutes later, Pedro Neto put Chelsea ahead. Receiving the ball inside the penalty box, the Portuguese winger unleashed a powerful volley that West Ham goalkeeper, Mads Hermansen, could not stop. The score changed to 2-1 for the visitors.

Chelsea’s pressure intensified, and in the 34th minute, Enzo Fernández also registered his name on the scoreboard. He calmly welcomed a perfect pass from Estevão Willian, a 17-year-old Brazilian youth player who suddenly came on to replace Cole Palmer. Palmer himself had to be absent after feeling discomfort during warm-up before the match.

With a 3-1 lead at halftime, Chelsea entered the locker room with high confidence. Meanwhile, Potter’s face looked increasingly gloomy on the sideline, realizing that his team once again showed fragility in their backline.

Second Half Belongs to Chelsea

After the break, West Ham tried to press more aggressively. They had a chance through Niclas Füllkrug, but his goal was disallowed for offside. That failure actually became another turning point in this match.

In the 54th minute, Moisés Caicedo added to the hosts’ suffering. The Ecuadorian midfielder capitalized on a rebound from Hermansen’s save after a corner kick situation. Four minutes later, it was Trevoh Chalobah’s turn to join the goalfest. The English defender headed the ball from a Cucurella cross, making the score 5-1.

With a four-goal difference, Chelsea played more calmly and occasionally rotated their attack. West Ham looked lost, while many home fans began to leave the stadium even before the final whistle blew.

Chelsea Get a Breath of Fresh Air

For Chelsea, this emphatic victory means a lot. After only drawing goalless against Crystal Palace in the opening match, they can now breathe easy with a full three points. Enzo Maresca can clearly smile broadly seeing his players perform solidly despite being without two key players, Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson.

“Initially we were a bit slow, but the team’s reaction was very good. We showed incredible energy and spirit,” said Marc Cucurella after the match. The Spanish defender even contributed two assists in this match.

Joao Pedro’s goal also became a highlight as it was his first Premier League goal for Chelsea since joining last month. With the addition of sharp-playing Pedro Neto, as well as Estevão’s brave contribution at a young age, Chelsea’s attack looks even more colorful.

West Ham Slump, Potter Cornered Further

Conversely, West Ham’s condition is increasingly worrying. Two matches, two big defeats, and eight goals conceded. This poor record puts The Hammers now on the serious list of relegation candidates earlier than expected.

For Graham Potter, this defeat could be the heaviest blow. Since taking over the team last January, he has only recorded five wins from 20 league matches. Even worse, he is the first West Ham manager to fail to reach double-digit points in his first 10 home Premier League games.

“The goals we conceded were too easy. It made the game impossible. This team is not playing to the expected standard, and I have to take responsibility,” Potter told Sky Sports with a face full of pressure.

West Ham supporters are also increasingly losing patience. Boos echoed at halftime, and an exodus of spectators occurred in the second half. Ironically, Chelsea supporters even sang a special chant “There’s only one Graham Potter”—a sharp taunt for their former coach who is now trapped in a difficult situation.

With this bad start, Graham Potter’s future at London Stadium is clearly in question. Rumors of his dismissal had been swirling even before the match, and the crushing 1-5 result will only strengthen Potter’s position as a strong candidate for the first manager to lose his job this season.

Meanwhile, for Chelsea, this big win could be a positive starting point to build momentum. With a combination of talented young players and enough experience, The Blues have a chance to compete at the top of the Premier League again this season.