Chelsea beat Brighton 4-3 at Stamford Bridge on August 30, with goals from Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto, João Pedro, and Cole Palmer securing a perfect start to the season under Xabi Alonso. Brighton pulled two back through Malick Yalcouyé, an own goal, and Pascal Groß's late header, but Chelsea's attacking fluency shone through.
Supporters are optimistic about a top-five finish or even a title challenge, though some note defensive vulnerabilities after conceding five goals in two matches. Even rival fans see Chelsea as a real contender without European distractions.