EPL: Chelsea climb fourth as Neto, Palmer lead comeback against West Ham

Chelsea edged West Ham 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, denying former Blues boss Graham Potter a triumphant return, thanks to Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer.

Despite a sluggish start, Enzo Maresca’s side fought back in the second half.

West Ham capitalized on a Chelsea defensive lapse in the 42nd minute when Levi Colwill’s misplaced back pass allowed Jarrod Bowen to slot past debutant Filip Jorgensen.

Chelsea struggled to respond, with missed chances from Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Enzo Fernandez keeping them trailing at halftime.

Maresca made four substitutions by the hour mark in search of stability, and Chelsea finally found a breakthrough when Neto’s cross, after a deflection, set up Fernandez.

His effort was blocked, but Neto pounced on the rebound to level the score. A lengthy VAR review confirmed the goal.

Chelsea sealed the win in the 74th minute when Palmer’s cross took a heavy deflection off Aaron Wan-Bissaka, looping over Alphonse Areola for an own goal.

The victory lifts Chelsea into the top four, though concerns remain over their inconsistency.

For West Ham, it was another frustrating night as they continue to struggle for form.