Chelsea maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion, although they were made to work hard for the three points at Stamford Bridge.

The hosts made an explosive beginning and needed only four minutes to take the lead. Romeo Lavia reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner to register his first goal for Chelsea.

Pedro Neto doubled the advantage in the 14th minute after Morgan Rogers created the opening, with the Portuguese winger finishing calmly inside the box. Chelsea continued to dominate and added a third before the half-hour mark, as Joao Pedro struck against his former club in the 32nd minute.

Brighton refused to collapse and responded through Malick Yalcouye, who reduced the deficit before the break with a powerful volley.

The visitors returned with greater intensity after half-time and were rewarded when a Pascal Gross delivery deflected off Joao Pedro and ended up in Chelsea’s goal. The pressure continued, but goalkeeper Emi Martinez produced several important saves on his debut.

Chelsea eventually restored their two-goal cushion through Cole Palmer, who collected the ball before curling a superb 20-yard effort beyond Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton scored again deep into stoppage time through Gross, setting up a tense finish. However, Chelsea held firm to secure another victory under Xabi Alonso.

The result leaves the Blues with six points from their opening two league matches, while their next challenge comes against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on September 6.