Chelsea FC not only got their act together defensively in their London clash with West Ham, but also scored a late winner. After the Blues initially looked to have missed this one.
After conceding several goals in recent games, Chelsea FC have had to gradually look to keep their Champions League place out of danger. Manchester United’s defeat at Arsenal, meanwhile, gave visitors West Ham the chance to leap past the Red Devils into sixth place.
In the first period at Stamford Bridge, which was only packed with season ticket holders, both teams were more convincing in their work against the ball. The Blues – with Havertz and Werner starting – and Hammers lacked penetrating power, and there was no major chance at all before the break.
Multiple chances for Werner
After the break they sharpened their senses on both sides. Soucek had a good chance for West Ham (56th), Chelsea were even much closer to the lead: Werner was just blocked in the penalty area (52nd), Fabianski was not surprised by Kanté’s deflected finish (57th).
The home side stayed in it, even after the active Yarmolenko had the last big chance for West Ham. Mendy made a save (70.). But Werner failed to score the deserved 1:0 two more times, once even artistically (70., 74.).
The three points seemed to be lost when Jorginho missed a penalty in the 87th minute (red for Dawson) – but a little later Joker Pulisic struck (90th) and secured the Blues’ third place in the table.