Chelsea Edge Brighton in Seven-Goal Thriller to Maintain Perfect Start Under Xabi Alonso

Chelsea secured their second consecutive Premier League victory under new manager Xabi Alonso after surviving a thrilling seven-goal encounter against Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Alonso's side dominated the first half, racing to a three-goal lead through Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto, and Joao Pedro. However, Brighton mounted a fierce comeback with goals from Malick Yalcouye and an own-goal from Pedro. Cole Palmer extended Chelsea's lead to 4-3 with a brilliant curling effort, before Pascal Gross scored for Brighton with the final kick of the match.

New goalkeeper Emi Martinez reflected on the chaotic victory, stating that winning and progressing is the primary objective while acknowledging the need to tighten up defensively. England manager Thomas Tuchel was among the spectators watching the action unfold.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Dominic Calvert-Lewin rescued a point for Leeds United with a late equalizer against Brentford at Elland Road, after Kevin Schade had given the visitors the lead in the first half. Meanwhile, Sunderland bounced back from their opening-day defeat by overcoming Fulham 1-0 courtesy of a second-half strike from Wilson Isidor.