Why Xabi Alonso shouted at Maxence Lacroix, Jorrel Hato teases Joao Pedro, Todd Boehly spotted

Cole Palmer fired Chelsea to a 4-3 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, extending Xabi Alonso's perfect start to life in west London.

Romeo Lavia broke the deadlock inside the opening five minutes, pouncing on a mistake from Bart Verbruggen following a delightfully weighted corner by Pedro Neto. The provider turned goalscorer a few moments later, latching onto a daisey-cutting cross from Morgan Rogers before tapping the ball home from close range.

Joao Pedro etched his name onto the scoresheet on the half-hour mark, finishing a lovely back-to-front move engineered by Jorrel Hato and the former Aston Villa talisman. Brighton pulled one back shortly before the break, with Malick Yalcouye smashing a volley past Emi Martinez.

Fabian Hurzeler's side leapt out of the gates at the break and pulled another back midway through the second half after a cross from Pascal Gross was deflected into the net. Desperate to turn the tide, the Blues manager made three changes, bringing on his big hitters: Reece James, Moises Caicedo, who later came off injured, and Josh Acheampong.

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Alonso worked his magic, and it wasn't long until Chelsea had a two-goal advantage again, this time courtesy of Palmer. Then, in the dying embers of stoppage time, Brighton netted a consolation goal.

Boehly and Egbahli return to the Bridge

It was understood that negotiations were underway after years of on-and-off discussions between the two parties. That said, however, it remains unclear whether they will agree on a deal despite the latest developments.

Perhaps eager to take the limelight away from the takeover talk, Egbahli donned a rather bold sheepskin coat in the director's box...

Ex-Brighton stars swarmed by the Seagulls

The former Brighton players were swarmed by the Seagulls at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. Valentin Barco was given a pretty hostile reception when he went to warm up down by the visiting fans midway through the first half; he was subject 'Falklands are ours' and 'England, England, England' chants, as well as boss when he came on.

The Seagulls swarmed Pedro, too, booing his every touch, but he had the last laugh. When the Chelsea striker beat Verbruggen, he wheeled away in celebration... right in front of the Brighton supporters!

Even Moises Caicedo was given a mouthful when he replaced Lavia in the second half. Levi Colwill, who spent a season on loan with Brighton not too long ago, was let off the hook, though.

Alonso solves midfield puzzle

Even though Moises Caicedo only returned to training on Friday and Enzo Fernandez remains frozen out until the transfer window shuts, Alonso raised eyebrows when he selected Malo Gusto to partner Romeo Lavia in the midfield of the park.

The Chelsea defender featured in the double before on a few too many occasions under Enzo Maresca, but he did well against Brighton on Sunday afternoon. Between Gusto, Neto, who predominantly popped up at wing-back, and Wesley Fofana at centre-half, they locked down the right-hand side.

Hato pokes fun at Pedro

Hato was spotted teasing Pedro during the celebrations of Chelsea's third goal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. Eager to remind his teammate that he had missed a sitter a few moments earlier, the Blues defender, with a grin on his face, put up two fingers after a warm embrace.

Alonso leaps for joy before quick Lacroix chat

When Palmer brilliantly restored Chelsea's lead at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, Alonso leapt off his feet, punched the air, and celebrated the goal with the supporters by the dugout. The Blues manager quickly composed himself, shouted at Maxence Lacroix for a quick chat, and delivered some instructions.