West Ham and Chelsea are locked in an electrifying London derby this Friday, August 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time), at the London Stadium, in the second round of the Premier League 2025/26. The standout moment so far is Lucas Paquetá’s stunning goal, which opened the scoring at the 5th minute of the first half with a rocket from outside the box, driving the Hammers’ fans wild. Under Graham Potter’s management, West Ham seeks redemption after a loss in their opening match, while Chelsea, coached by Enzo Maresca, aims for their first win of the season. The match, still ongoing, promises intensity and rivalry, with both teams needing points to gain momentum in the championship. The game is broadcast live in Brazil on ESPN and Disney+, with real-time coverage on portals like ge.
The clash at the London Stadium brings together two teams with contrasting results in the first round. West Ham suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to newly promoted Sunderland, putting pressure on coach Graham Potter, who took charge in January 2025. Meanwhile, Chelsea, the reigning Club World Cup champions, drew 0-0 against Crystal Palace, struggling to convert chances into goals.
- Key moments of the match so far:
- Lucas Paquetá opened the scoring with a stunning goal at the 5th minute.
- Chelsea presses, but West Ham remains solid defensively.
- Estêvão starts after Cole Palmer felt discomfort during warm-up.
Key moments timeline
The match started with high intensity, and the opening minutes set the tone for this London derby. Below are the main moments up to the 12th minute of the first half, based on the real-time report:
- 00′: Ball rolling at the London Stadium, with both teams showing intent.
- 02′: Chelsea faces a last-minute setback: Cole Palmer feels discomfort during warm-up, and Estêvão takes his place, raising expectations for Blues fans.
- 04′: Chelsea presses West Ham’s ball-playing, aiming to control the game early on.
- 05′: Stunning goal by Lucas Paquetá! The Brazilian receives the ball in midfield, drives forward, and unleashes a rocket from outside the box, leaving goalkeeper Robert Sánchez with no chance.
- 08′: Medical attention for Niclas Füllkrug of West Ham after a challenge with Tosin Adarabioyo, but the striker is back on his feet.
Paquetá steals the show with Brazilian flair
Lucas Paquetá, once again, proves to be West Ham’s game-changer. The Brazilian midfielder, who expressed confidence in the team’s potential for a strong season before the match, showcased his technical brilliance with a goal of rare beauty. At the 5th minute, he controlled the ball in midfield, dribbled past a defender, and struck a powerful shot that rifled into the top corner of Robert Sánchez’s goal. The wondergoal not only opened the scoring but also ignited the London Stadium crowd, eager to support their team after a disappointing debut. Paquetá, known for his vision and ability to deliver in crucial moments, is the Hammers’ main hope for their first win of the season.
West Ham, under Graham Potter, lines up in a 3-4-3 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. The starting XI features Mads Hermansen in goal, a back three of Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman, and Nayef Aguerd, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Diouf on the wings. In midfield, James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek provide support, while Paquetá has freedom to create, alongside Jarrod Bowen and Niclas Füllkrug in attack.
Chelsea seeks a response with young talents
On the other side, Chelsea, coached by Enzo Maresca, deploys a 4-3-3, blending experience with youth. Cole Palmer’s absence, one of the team’s key players, was a last-minute blow, but Estêvão’s inclusion, formerly of Palmeiras, adds unpredictability. The Blues’ lineup includes Robert Sánchez in goal, a backline of Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella, with Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández in midfield. Up top, Pedro Neto, João Pedro, and Liam Delap form the attacking trio, with Estêvão earning a starting spot.
Maresca, who won the UEFA Europa Conference League and Club World Cup in 2025, faces pressure to get Chelsea firing in the Premier League. The team, which finished last season in fourth place, aims to solidify its project with young talents like João Pedro and Liam Delap, signed in the recent transfer window. However, their goalless draw against Crystal Palace highlighted struggles in the attacking third, which the Italian coach hopes to address in this match.
- Factors that could define Chelsea’s game:
- Estêvão’s adaptation as an unexpected starter.
- Ability to convert created chances into goals.
- Defensive solidity against West Ham’s pressure at home.
Head-to-head history favors the Blues
The West Ham vs Chelsea clash is steeped in Premier League history, with the Blues holding the upper hand. In the last 39 meetings, Chelsea won 24 times, compared to West Ham’s 8 victories and 7 draws. The most recent encounter, in February 2025, ended with a 2-1 Chelsea win, with goals from Pedro Neto and an own goal by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. However, West Ham has been competitive at home, winning 6 of the last 11 matches against Chelsea at the London Stadium and the former Boleyn Ground.
The September 2024 clash at the London Stadium saw Chelsea triumph 3-0, but West Ham responded with a 3-1 victory in the 2023/24 season, with goals from Nayef Aguerd, Michail Antonio, and Lucas Paquetá. This London rivalry promises another intense chapter, especially with both teams needing to bounce back from lackluster opening results.
Pressure mounts on Graham Potter
Graham Potter, who took over West Ham in January 2025, faces a challenging moment. The 3-0 loss to Sunderland in the first round sparked impatience among fans, who demand a more assertive approach. Despite public support from vice-chairman Karren Brady, who stated the club doesn’t panic with its managers, Potter needs immediate results to win over supporters. The English coach, formerly of Chelsea, knows his opponent well and relies on the London Stadium’s 60,000-strong crowd to boost his team.
Potter’s strategy hinges on quick transitions, with Paquetá and Bowen leading the attack. However, the defense must address errors from the opening match, where Sunderland easily breached their backline. West Ham’s average of just 2 shots per game in the first round reflects their struggle to create chances, something Paquetá’s goal began to rectify.
- West Ham’s challenges in the match:
- Maintaining defensive solidity against Chelsea’s dynamic attack.
- Capitalizing on home crowd support to pressure the opponent.
- Avoiding individual mistakes seen in the Sunderland defeat.
Chelsea banks on Maresca’s adaptation
Enzo Maresca aims to implement his possession-based, high-intensity philosophy at Chelsea. The goalless draw against Crystal Palace exposed their finishing struggles, despite dominating possession. Cole Palmer’s absence, his first missed Premier League game since March, is a challenge, but Estêvão’s opportunity to shine could be a game-changer. The young Brazilian, signed for around $18 million, is one of football’s brightest prospects.
Chelsea also contends with injuries to Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Omari Kellyman, and Romeo Lavia. Tosin Adarabioyo, a doubt earlier, was cleared to start, but the Blues’ defense remains unconvincing. Their average of 11 corners per game in the opener shows they create chances, but precision in attack needs improvement.
What to expect from the rest of the match
With the score at 1-0 to West Ham at the 12th minute of the first half, the game remains wide open. Chelsea, pressing before Paquetá’s goal, is likely to ramp up their attacking efforts, especially with Estêvão exploiting spaces on the wings. West Ham aims to hold their lead with a solid defense and quick counterattacks led by Paquetá and Bowen.
The atmosphere at the London Stadium is electric, with Hammers fans rallying behind their team. This London derby, known for its historic rivalry, promises more decisive moments, with both teams desperate for points to build confidence. Referee Michael Oliver, one of the Premier League’s top officials, ensures a well-managed game, though the intensity may lead to tense moments.
- Factors that could shape the game:
- Estêvão’s performance replacing Cole Palmer.
- West Ham’s ability to protect their lead.
- Impact of the London Stadium crowd in pressuring Chelsea.
Fun facts about the London derby
The West Ham vs Chelsea matchup is one of London’s most storied rivalries, with memorable moments over the years. Beyond Chelsea’s historical edge, the fixture always delivers drama, like the 2-2 draw in 2006, with two goals from Frank Lampard for Chelsea.
- Historical tidbits:
- West Ham won 6 of their last 11 home games against Chelsea.
- Chelsea hasn’t won consecutive away games against West Ham in 11 years.
- Lucas Paquetá scored in two of the last three meetings with Chelsea.
The match continues, with more decisive moments expected. The Premier League 2025/26 is just beginning, but clashes like this highlight why the English championship is one of the world’s most competitive.
