Chelsea stage impressive fightback to beat West Ham
Enzo Fernandez struck the decisive goal in stoppage time, completing Chelseas exhilarating comeback from a two goal deficit to defeat West Ham 3-2 in a gripping London derby on Saturday.
Liam Roseniors team fell behind due to first half strikes from Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville at Stamford Bridge.
However, Chelsea brushed aside the boos from frustrated supporters at half time, mounting an outstanding recovery in the second period.
Joao Pedro narrowed the gap before Marc Cucurella nodded in the leveller.
In a Premier League first, Chelsea overturned a two goal half time deficit to secure victory, with captain Fernandez scoring in added time.
West Hams Jean Clair Todibo received a red card for violent conduct as tensions flared in the dying moments.
Rosenior had described this as Chelseas most crucial fixture of the campaign, and the Blues demonstrated their resilience in spectacular style.
This result lifted them to fourth place in the Premier League, with Rosenior joining Bobby Gould, Sam Allardyce, and Craig Shakespeare as only the fourth English boss to triumph in his initial three top flight matches.
Rosenior has guided the team to six victories in seven outings across all competitions since taking over from Enzo Maresca after his departure from Strasbourg.
The pinnacle of Roseniors strong beginning arrived midweek, when the Blues rallied from 2-1 behind to overcome Napoli 3-2 in Italy, clinching advancement to the Champions League knockout stage.
Yet this triumph felt even more remarkable, considering how Rosenior transformed the game following Chelseas poor opening 45 minutes.
Rosenior aims to pull off yet another turnaround on Tuesday, as Chelsea seek to reverse a 3-2 disadvantage in the League Cup semi final return leg against league topping Arsenal.
From boos to bedlam
Following the Naples success, he introduced seven alterations, reinstating Cole Palmer to the XI after his impactful substitute role earlier in the week.
Chelsea appeared disjointed post reshuffle, allowing West Ham to strike first in the seventh minute.
Bowen twisted free on the penalty areas fringe before whipping in a delivery that evaded West Ham forward Pablos extended leg and left goalkeeper Robert Sanchez stranded, nestling into the distant corner.
Rosenior encountered further setback when wide player Jamie Gittens hobbled away hurt after a clash with Summerville.
Summerville compounded Chelseas woes in the 36th minute.
During a slick West Ham sequence, Bowen found Aaron Wan Bissaka, whose pinpoint delivery enabled Summerville to blast an excellent effort beyond Sanchez from 12 yards.
Alejandro Garnachos lacklustre performance irked the irate Chelsea crowd, leading Rosenior to withdraw the Argentine at the interval.
Rosenior also substituted Benoit Badiashile and Jorrel Hato, though Sanchez denied Mateus Fernandes a powerful drive immediately after the break.
Sanchez thwarted Bowens quickfire attempt next, but with Chelsea seemingly defeated, Roseniors adjustments began to yield results.
Wesley Fofanas charging advance ended with an accurate ball to Joao Pedro, who soared to direct a header beyond Alphonse Areola from near range.
The Brazilians fifth strike in five outings preceded Chelseas 70th minute equaliser.
Malo Gusto headed Enzo Fernandezs delivery to Liam Delap for an opportunity that rebounded off the crossbar to Cucurella, whose acrobatic header evaded Areola up close.
Chelsea dominated proceedings, and Fernandez sealed the win two minutes into added time.
Joao Pedro slid the ball across the box, allowing Fernandez to rifle past Areola, marking his 150th outing for Chelsea in style.
Todibo struggled amid West Hams downfall, earning dismissal for seizing Joao Pedro by the neck.