Chelsea travelled to the London stadium to face relegation contenders West Ham United in the hope of securing three points and getting on the comeback trail. Potter made three changes from his last goalless draw against Fulham.
Joao Felix came back from suspension and was deployed straight into the playing XI, Noni Madueke got his first start in Blue colours and Ruben Loftus-cheek replaced the inconsistent Conor Gallagher.
CFC didn’t waste any time in building momentum as the new signings took control of the game early on and managed to impress Todd Boehly present in the stands. The West Londeners put the ball in the back of the net thrice within the first 25 minutes, however only one of them did count as the other two were ruled offside.
Chelsea did look like the dominant side until the former Blue Emerson Palmieri got to the end of a redirected cross and brought the Hammers back into the game. After which, the supporters enjoyed end to end football with both the sides playing with a more attacking approach. The Blues deserved a half time lead, but the Fabianski’s heroics kept West Ham in the game.
The home team came into the second half with a lot more promise in the attack. Chelsea had the lion’s share of possession but made little out of it. Soucek was the centre of attention late in the second half, managing to get the ball in the back of the net which was fractionally offside. And then the game deciding moment, when Conor Gallagher released a long range shot. Soucek clearly used his hand to prevent a goal, but VAR favored the Hammers and the Blues weren’t awarded a penalty which ultimately led to the game ending with scores even.