Chelsea thrash West Ham 5-1 as Potter faces growing pressure

West Ham’s nightmare start to the Premier League season got worse on Saturday as Chelsea hammered them 5-1 at the London Stadium, leaving manager Graham Potter under serious pressure.

The evening turned ugly for the Hammers, who conceded eight goals in their first two matches and looked completely out of ideas against a ruthless Chelsea side. The atmosphere soured quickly as fans booed, jeered, and even staged a pitch invasion in frustration.

Chelsea’s injury worries continued before kick-off when Cole Palmer pulled out in the warm-up. But 18-year-old Brazilian Estêvão Willian seized his chance, making an electrifying first start. His dazzling run and clever cross set up Enzo Fernández’s goal, showing why he’s already tipped as one of football’s brightest young talents.

West Ham actually began with hope when Lucas Paquetá struck a stunning goal in the sixth minute, briefly lifting spirits. But Chelsea hit back immediately, João Pedro levelling the score and then setting up Pedro Neto to put his side in front. From there, the gulf in class was painfully clear.

Chelsea’s midfield pairing of Moisés Caicedo and Fernández dominated completely, while Estêvão’s pace and trickery left West Ham defenders chasing shadows. By the time Fernández scored again, the contest was effectively over.

The Hammers collapsed further when goalkeeper Mads Hermansen fumbled at a corner, gifting Caicedo a goal. Trevoh Chalobah added a fifth, sparking fury from the home crowd. Some fans stormed towards the dugout in anger, with one even breaking past stewards to confront security.

For Potter, it was a reunion with his former club that turned into humiliation. With West Ham lacking pace, leadership, and confidence, his job already looks at risk. Supporters directed much of their anger towards the board as well, blaming poor transfers for the team’s decline.

Chelsea, meanwhile, looked sharp and full of options despite their injury setbacks. With João Pedro, Neto, and Estêvão clicking, they gave a glimpse of the depth that could make them strong contenders this season.