Chelsea dominated the clash against West Ham United this past weekend, securing a convincing 3-0 victory at the London Stadium in Match Week 5. The stats, momentum, and passing strategies all painted a clear picture of Chelsea’s dominance, though West Ham had their moments.

Match Overview and Key Stats

Chelsea’s clinical performance was underlined by their shot efficiency. Out of 12 shots taken, Chelsea scored three goals with an xG of 1.71. West Ham, despite taking 15 shots, failed to find the back of the net, with their xG totaling 1.04. Chelsea’s five shots on target were enough to seal the win, while West Ham, though active in the attacking third, couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, managing only seven shots on target.

Both teams were aggressive throughout the match, with Chelsea committing 10 fouls and West Ham 17, leading to a combined total of seven yellow cards (West Ham with five). The possession split was nearly even, with West Ham holding a slight edge at 53%, but Chelsea’s efficiency in front of goal was the deciding factor.

Momentum and Possession Tactics

The match momentum graph tells a tale of Chelsea’s early dominance, with N. Jackson struck first in the 3rd minute (xG 0.04) and then again in the 18th minute (xG 0.61), doubling up Chelsea’s advantage just before halftime. Cole Palmer added a second-half goal in the 46th minute (xG 0.05), putting the match beyond West Ham’s reach. Chelsea’s momentum stayed relatively consistent throughout the match, while West Ham’s efforts only peaked sporadically without materializing into goals.

Chelsea’s pass map showcases a fluid attacking structure, with Marc Cucurella and Jadon Sancho key to Chelsea’s build-up on the left flank, while Caicedo and Enzo Fernández controlled the midfield alongside Cole Palmer. Fofana was not the solution at right back and this is now two weekends in a row where Noni Madueke is un-supported on the right flank. Have to hope Malo Gusto is back soon.

West Ham’s pass map reveals their attempts to overload the midfield, with Lucas Paquetá and Mohammed Kudus orchestrating play, but they struggled to penetrate Chelsea’s defensive lines, led by Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Shots and Goals Analysis

Chelsea’s shot map highlights their precision in front of goal, with the majority of their shots coming from within the box, a testament to their tactical discipline. Their three goals—two from Jackson and one from Palmer—originated from dangerous central positions inside the box, where the xG was highest.

In contrast, West Ham’s shot map reveals a frustrating afternoon. Despite peppering Chelsea’s goal with shots, many were either off target or blocked. Their xG of 1.04 highlights that while they had decent chances, their finishing let them down.

Chelsea’s well-balanced play in both attack and defense was evident from the start, and they made the most of their key chances. West Ham, while combative, lacked the cutting edge needed to turn their possession and shots into tangible goals. This win puts Chelsea in a strong position moving into Match Week 6, while West Ham will need to find solutions in the final third if they are to climb the Premier League table.