Graham Potter returned to Stamford Bridge as West Ham manager but left disappointed after his side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.
West Ham took the lead just before half-time when Jarrod Bowen capitalised on a poor back pass from Levi Colwill and finished neatly past Chelsea’s goalkeeper. Bowen, returning from injury, was West Ham’s standout player and made the most of his opportunity.
Chelsea struggled to respond in the first half, but they found an equaliser in the second half through substitute Pedro Neto. However, the goal was controversial as Bowen appeared to be obstructed by Colwill in the build-up, and Marc Cucurella seemed offside when he set up Neto to score. VAR ruled in Chelsea’s favour, deeming that the ball had come off a West Ham defender.
The momentum shifted in Chelsea’s favour, and they secured the win ten minutes later. Cole Palmer drove down the left wing and sent in a cross, which West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka accidentally turned into his own net.
For Chelsea, it was a crucial victory that moved them back into the Premier League’s top four. Manager Enzo Maresca made key substitutions that helped turn the game around. Meanwhile, for Potter, his West Ham team showed promise, but the defeat highlights the challenge he faces in rebuilding the squad.
Potter’s time at Chelsea ended in disappointment, and his return to Stamford Bridge brought more frustration. While West Ham competed well, they were undone by controversial decisions and a moment of misfortune.
