Enzo Fernandez exploded in the final moments, rewriting the Chelsea derby story

Down 0-2 to West Ham at halftime and under pressure from the crowd's boos, Chelsea managed a comeback to win 3-2, aided by key substitutions and Enzo Fernandez’s last-minute goal.

Chelsea achieved a rare comeback in their history in the Premier League by overturning a 3-2 defeat against West Ham in the London derby, climbing directly into the top 4. Notably, The Blues were behind 0-2 in the first half and endured significant jeering from the Stamford Bridge crowd.

After a 3-2 win over Napoli midweek, coach Rosenior surprised by making seven changes to the starting lineup. This bold rotation quickly showed risks as West Ham started aggressively, continuously attacking Chelsea’s half. Taty Castellanos had a warning shot before the visitors capitalized. In the 15th minute, Jarrod Bowen crossed from the right wing, the ball floated past Pablo’s reach and curved into the far corner, giving West Ham the lead. This was also the fourth consecutive early goal scored by West Ham’s captain within the first 30 minutes.

Chelsea struggled to create chances in the first half despite Cole Palmer’s return. West Ham deliberately targeted the home side’s left flank, where Jorrel Hato and Alejandro Garnacho were repeatedly pressured by Bowen and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. In the 36th minute, Bowen assisted Wan-Bissaka, who crossed for Crysencio Summerville to finish, making it 2-0 — also Summerville’s fourth consecutive goal.

The turning point came after the break. Rosenior brought on João Pedro, Wesley Fofana, and Marc Cucurella. Chelsea immediately increased their tempo: Fofana advanced and delivered an accurate cross for João Pedro to head in and reduce the deficit to 1-2. The relentless pressure forced Areola to make a flying save on Caicedo’s long-range shot, but the West Ham keeper was helpless when Chelsea equalized: Malo Gusto headed, Kilman’s clearance hit the crossbar, and Cucurella scored the rebound to make it 2-2.

West Ham still had a chance to escape defeat when Todibo hit the post from close range. However, Chelsea sealed the match in stoppage time: João Pedro broke down the right channel and cut the ball back for Enzo Fernández to finish, confirming a 3-2 victory exactly on the third anniversary of his signing. Chelsea moved into the top 4, while West Ham suffered their seventh loss in eight London derbies in the Premier League; Todibo was sent off late for choking João Pedro.