Chelsea thrashes with a goal from Pedro Neto

World champions Chelsea made their first Premier League victory in 2025/26, thrashing London rivals West Ham 5-1 in the opening matchday two fixture, thanks to a goal from Portuguese international Pedro Neto.

At the London Olympic Stadium, the Portuguese forward completed the "blues" comeback in the 23rd minute, after having taken the corner that led to Brazilian João Pedro's goal in the 15th minute, in response to the opening goal by fellow Brazilian Lucas Paquetá in the sixth minute.

Pedro Neto scored his 10th goal in 53 games for Chelsea, who extended their lead through Argentine Enzo Fernández, a former Benfica midfielder, in the 34th minute, through Ecuadorian Moisés Caicedo, in the 54th minute, and through Trevoh Chalobah, in the 58th minute, following another corner from the Portuguese winger.

Even before the duel with the "hammers", the "blues" lost Cole Palmer, a regular starter in attacking midfield, who was injured during the warm-up.

With Pedro Neto full-time and Dário Essugo on the bench, Chelsea moved up to first place with four points, while West Ham is 20th and last, with no points or goals scored. They haven't started a Premier League season with two defeats since 2022/23 and have never conceded five goals to their London rivals at home.