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Brighton 1-3 Chelsea: Blues get season off to a winning start

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Timo Werner showed signs of promise as Chelsea started their 20/21 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Brighton.

All eyes were on big spenders Chelsea as they took on Brighton for their first game of the new season.

In particular, new arrivals Timo Werner and Kai Havertz made their respective bows for the Blues. The German duo were both named in a front three for the visit to the Amex Stadium.

The former was key in breaking the deadlock just before the half hour mark. Chelsea took advantage of a defensive slip-up by Brighton in the 23rd minute. Werner got on the break and eventually got brought down by Mat Ryan.

Jorginho stepped up calmly to give the Blues a lead from the spot which went on into the first half.

Despite what the scoreline looked like, it was a ‘tight’ encounter between both sides.

In the 58th minute, Lucas Trossard briefly restored parity but a spectacular strike from James proved to be the icing on the cake for Chelsea.

It took only 98 seconds for the Blues to regain their lead. The goal was also the first for Reece James in the Premier League and it proved to be a memorable one. The 20-year-old let out a screamer that left Mat Ryan with no chance.

Zouma sealed maximum points for Chelsea with a deflected shot that crept just into the net.

Kai Havertz failed to do anything ‘spectacular’ and the jury remains out on him to live up to expectations.

Up next for Chelsea comes an even tougher test when they take on reigning champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Both sides will look to declare their title ambitions early and that game could just tell a bit on what to come later on in the season.

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