Final Score 3-0
Tammy Abraham eventually secured the victory for an anxious Chelsea with two in three minutes against West Ham, to get Frank Lampard’s side back to winning ways after consecutive defeats.
A 1-0 lead was looking shaky until Abraham turned Timo Werner’s scuffed shot past Lukasz Fabianksi in the 78th minute, then slammed in the rebound after Fabianski had blocked Christian Pulisic’s header two minutes later.
Things started worryingly for Chelsea with Ben Chilwell joining Reece James on the injury list after an early tangle with Jarrod Bowen, and Chelsea target Declan Rice had a goal ruled narrowly offside.
Embed from Getty ImagesImmediately after Emerson Palmieri replaced Chilwell, Thiago Silva brightened the Chelsea outlook by powering a free header home from a Mason Mount corner in the 10th minute – a league-leading eighth goal from a corner.
More concerning for Lampard were the unforced errors that let West Ham back into the game after a period of Chelsea control, with a Bowen effort ruled out for a foul on Silva.
Werner should have ended his scoring drought just before half time but, low on confidence, shot tamely at Fabianski when played in by Pulisic.
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter the break the German was close when sliding for Abraham’s cross but only made contact with Fabianski’s ankle.
James’ replacement, Cesar Azpilicueta, looked rusty but had to make an important block to deny Pablo Fornals around the hour, as West Ham again grew in threat.
As rain set in, Abraham’s double finally made the points safe, before Werner hit the bar late on.
Click here to read Ryan Moran’s preview of the match, and click here to read his live blog of the action.
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Sub-edited by Ryan Moran.
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