Joao Pedro scores at both ends as Chelsea edge Brighton in seven-goal thriller

Chelsea survived a dramatic second-half fightback from Brighton to win 4-3 at Stamford Bridge and make it two victories from two Premier League matches, with Joao Pedro scoring for both sides.

Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer were on target for Chelsea, while Brighton’s goals came from Malick Yalcouye, an own goal by Joao Pedro and Pascal Gross.

The result moved Chelsea on to six points, leaving them second in the Premier League behind Manchester City on goal difference. Brighton remain on three points in ninth place.

Chelsea’s victory came despite another failure to keep a clean sheet. They have now conceded in 18 consecutive Premier League matches, their longest such run in the club’s history.

Joao Pedro was central to the contest at both ends of the pitch. He scored Chelsea’s third goal, provided the assist for Palmer’s fourth and later turned Diego Gomez’s header into his own net.

Since the start of 2026, no forward has been involved in more Premier League goals than Joao Pedro, who has registered 15 goal contributions.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca again selected the attacking trio of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, the same front line used in the opening league match against Fulham. New goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made his Chelsea debut only hours after the club announced his signing.

Chelsea made the stronger start and took the lead after four minutes. Lavia reacted quickest after a Brighton defender and goalkeeper failed to deal with the situation, completing the move from close range.

Neto then doubled the advantage in the 14th minute. Rogers delivered an impressive cross into the area and Neto finished confidently to put Chelsea in control.

Joao Pedro should have made it 3-0 eleven minutes later but missed an open opportunity after being played through on goal.

He made amends in the 31st minute, collecting a well-weighted pass from Jorel Hato before placing the ball into the Brighton net.

Brighton reduced the deficit four minutes later. Martinez saved an initial effort, but Yalcouye followed up to score the visitors’ first goal and ensure Chelsea’s defensive run without a clean sheet continued.

Brighton threatened again after the interval when Gomez sent a header narrowly wide of Chelsea’s goal in the 56th minute.

The pressure produced another goal seven minutes later. Gomez’s header struck Joao Pedro and deflected into the Chelsea net, leaving Martinez with no chance and bringing Brighton within one goal.

Chelsea restored their two-goal cushion in the 74th minute. Joao Pedro turned provider, supplying Palmer, who produced a fine finish to beat the Brighton goalkeeper.

Brighton refused to give up and scored again moments before full-time. Gross met a precise cross with a well-directed header to set up a tense finish, but Chelsea held on.

Chelsea will attempt to maintain their perfect start when they host Arsenal next Sunday in the third round of the Premier League.

Brighton travel to face Leeds on Saturday.