West Bromwich 2-3 Chelsea: Debutant Pedro inspires Blues to first league victory

Chelsea’s new signing Pedro made the difference with a goal and an assist on his debut against West Bromwich

Chelsea recorded a 3-2 victory against West Bromwich Albion as Jose Mourinho’s men captured all three points of Matchday 3 of the Barclays Premier League thanks to a spectacular performance from debutant Pedro.

The defending English champions have endured a rocky start to their new campaign after they drew 2-2 at home to Swansea City before suffering a humiliating defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad stadium.

With only a point from their opening two fixtures, Mourinho revealed his disappointment with several of his players in Chelsea’s starting squad over the week, including players like Eden Hazard and Fabregas. While questions about John Terry’s future at the Bridge were raised after his substitution against City, the England international started against the Baggies with Kurt Zouma alongside him as Gary Cahill was demoted to the bench.

Hazard and Willian also lined up for the Blues while new summer signing Pedro was handed his debut by Mourinho.

Pedro bags a goal and an assist

The early kickoff saw chances created at both ends in the opening 5 minutes as striker Diego Costa twisted and turned to create space for himself to shoot but his effort went well past the far post. West Brom’s chance in the 4th minute almost fell to Rondon after Dawson’s put in a dangerous delivery but goalkeeper Thibat Courtois managed to push it away before the striker could make any contact.

The home side earned a penalty in the 14th minute after Nemanja Matic tripped Mcmanaman inside the d-box. James Morrision stepped up to take the spot kick but was denied by the returning Courtois.

And Tony Pulis’s side were punished five minutes later by Pedro as the former Barcelona man marked his dream debut in the Premier League with a left-footed strike after a one-two exchange with Hazard that gave Chelsea the lead in the 20th minute.

Pedro's game by numbers vs. West Brom: 88% pass accuracy 3 chances created 2 shots 1 goal 1 assist Cracking debut. pic.twitter.com/jolh7sn5XQ

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 23, 2015

And the Spanish international impressed further as it was his shot in the half an hour mark that was helped along by Costa on its way as Chelsea enhanced their lead to 2-0. Albion pulled one back through Morrison whose shot found the right corner after Rondon’s overhead kick found the England international in a perfect position to score.

John Terry gets sent off

But Chelsea restored their two goal lead before half time through Cesar Azpilicueta who slotted home his first ever Premier League goal after Costa chested the ball down and helped it along for him to make it 3-1 in the Blues’ favour as both sides headed into their dressing rooms.

After the break, Chelsea came out looking sharper than their previous two games and had a positive start to their second half. But Terry’s last ditch challenge on Rondon forced the official to show a straight red to the 34-year-old thus reducing his side to 10-men for a large portion of the second half.

West Brom capitalised on the deficiency soon as they hit back Mourinho’s men with a goal in the hour mark through Morrison again as his wonderfully timed back header bounced off the bar and found its way into the net.

Chelsea were in the backfoot for most of the second half as West Brom kept looking for openings. Falcao came on for Costa and had a chance to take the game away from the hosts in the 79th minute, but the Colombian put his shot wide of the far post.

The Baggies pushed on for a late equaliser but the Blues held on their narrow lead to snatch all three points and register their first win in the Premier League.

Here are the goals.