Chelsea mounted an impressive second-half comeback to secure a 2-1 victory against West Ham, denying Graham Potter a triumphant return to Stamford Bridge and climbing to fourth place in the Premier League on Monday night.
West Ham manager Potter had hoped to mark his return to his former club—who dismissed him in 2023 after a brief seven-month tenure—with a statement win. His side took the lead through Jarrod Bowen, who found the net in the first half on his return from a foot fracture sustained in December.
However, Chelsea responded strongly after the break, with Pedro Neto equalizing before Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s unfortunate own goal sealed the Blues’ victory late in the game.
The result lifts Enzo Maresca’s team two points above Manchester City and Newcastle in the race for Champions League qualification. It also marked Chelsea’s first home league win after trailing at half-time since 2013.
Maresca, who had expressed concerns over the January transfer window distracting his squad, will be relieved by the performance. The match took place on deadline day amid transfer speculation surrounding Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Potter’s Unfulfilled Revenge Bid
Despite his dismissal from Chelsea after winning just 12 of 31 games, Potter had previously stated that the experience could be “the best thing that happens to me.” His return to Stamford Bridge, however, ended in disappointment.
Now in charge of West Ham, Potter has managed just one win in five matches across all competitions. The Hammers remain 10 points clear of the relegation zone, but this latest setback underscores the challenge ahead for the 49-year-old.
Potter and Maresca, former West Brom teammates in the 1990s, share a long history. Back then, Potter was responsible for driving Maresca to training—on Monday, the Italian once again took the lead, this time from the touchline.
Chelsea’s Second-Half Revival
Maresca made key tactical adjustments, including dropping goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in favor of Filip Jorgensen, who was immediately called into action with a crucial save from Bowen’s early effort.
Mohammed Kudus was a constant threat for West Ham, forcing Jorgensen into another strong stop before his relentless pressing led to the opening goal. The Ghanaian winger pressured Levi Colwill into a misplaced back-pass, which Bowen capitalized on with a precise finish into the bottom corner in the 42nd minute.
Chelsea’s response before the interval was limited to a dipping free-kick from Cole Palmer, which was well saved by Alphonse Areola. As the first half ended, the Blues were met with jeers from their home supporters.
Recognizing the need for a tactical shake-up, Maresca substituted Nicolas Jackson and Jadon Sancho just seven minutes into the second half. The changes proved effective, with Chelsea equalizing in the 64th minute.
Marc Cucurella kept the ball in play on the byline before Enzo Fernandez’s shot was blocked on the line, allowing Neto to pounce and fire home from close range. A lengthy VAR check confirmed Cucurella was onside, though West Ham players protested a potential foul on Bowen in the build-up.
A Fortunate Finish
Chelsea completed their comeback in the 74th minute thanks to a stroke of luck. Palmer drove into the penalty area and delivered a cross from a tight angle, which deflected off a sliding Wan-Bissaka and looped over Areola for an own goal.
The Blues saw out the closing stages to seal a much-needed victory, while Potter’s hopes of a memorable return to Stamford Bridge were left in ruins.
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