Free-scoring Chelsea has extended Xabi Alonso’s perfect start as manager with an eye-catching 4-3 win against Brighton at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso has now presided over two successive Premier League wins and one League Cup victory since taking charge of the Blues, continuing a promising early tenure.

Romeo Lavia opened the scoring with his first Chelsea goal since joining in 2023, followed by strikes from Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro. Brighton's Malick Yalcouye managed to pull one back before halftime. An own goal later extended Chelsea's lead, but Cole Palmer secured the victory in the closing stages, despite Pascal Gross scoring a late consolation for Brighton.

The win sets up a significant test for Alonso's revitalized Chelsea side as they prepare to face Premier League champions Arsenal on September 6. This match will be the first major examination for the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss, who aims to improve on the club's dismal 10th-place finish last season.

Under Alonso, Chelsea's attack has shown significant improvement, scoring nine goals in their first three games. However, the defense has conceded four times, raising questions about its solidity. The club's transfer activity also remains a talking point, with the window closing soon. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez's future is uncertain, as he was absent for a second consecutive game amid links to Manchester City.

Chelsea's new signing, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, made his debut after completing a 7.5-million-pound ($10 million) move from Aston Villa. The 33-year-old was signed to replace the error-prone Robert Sanchez, whose recent performances have drawn criticism. Martinez's appearance marked the first time Chelsea fielded a player aged 30 or over in a league game since 2024, highlighting the club's recent focus on younger talent.

Chelsea's quick start to matches continued against Brighton, with Lavia scoring in the fourth minute. A defensive mix-up from Brighton's goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and defender Mats Wieffer allowed Lavia to capitalize. Pedro Neto then doubled the lead in the 14th minute, repaying Alonso's faith for being selected ahead of Reece James.

Martinez made his first save to deny Yalcouye, earning cheers from the home crowd. Pedro added a third goal for Chelsea in the 32nd minute with a clinical finish against his former club, celebrating with a 'thumbs-down' gesture.