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在线翻译:
szdaily -> Sports -> 
Chelsea starts with win at Brighton
    2020-09-16  08:53    Shenzhen Daily

FRANK LAMPARD believes Chelsea is already showing the benefits of his 200-million-pound (US$257 million) spending spree as the side kicked off its Premier League campaign with a 3-1 win at Brighton on Monday.

Blues boss Lampard has splashed out on a host of new signings and the early returns on his lavish investment were promising.

Germany striker Timo Werner, a 53-million-pound recruit from Leipzig, won the penalty that Jorginho converted to put Chelsea ahead.

Kai Havertz, who made a 70-million-pound switch from Bayer Leverkusen, wasn’t quite so impactful, but Lampard will be confident there are better days to come from the young Germany forward.

“Timo’s speed to win the penalty showed he is sharp and he was a threat all night. He is very mobile and I liked his performance,” Lampard said.

“With Kai we saw a lot as well. To get these minutes will only be good and both of them will be huge players for this club.”

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was guilty of another mistake when Leandro Trossard equalized for Brighton. But Reece James’ superb strike put Chelsea back in front before Kurt Zouma’s deflected effort sealed the points.

It was an encouraging result for Lampard, who has accepted he is under pressure to deliver a title challenge after spending more than any other club so far in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea finished 33 points behind champion Liverpool in fourth last season before a disappointing FA Cup final defeat against Arsenal, but the side is primed to improve if Lampard can gel his new signings.

Lampard’s other expensive recruits, former Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech and ex-Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell, were both sidelined by injuries.

The historians among Chelsea’s fanbase will have noted this was the third time they have started a Premier League campaign with a Monday night victory, with the Blues going on to win the title on the previous occasions in 2014-15 and 2016-17.

Werner was Chelsea’s central striker while Havertz lined up on the right flank in the three-man attack.

It was Werner who showed all his class as Chelsea took the lead in the 23rd minute.

Brighton midfielder Steven Alzate surrendered possession with a wayward pass and Jorginho fed Werner, who raced through on goal and was brought down by Mat Ryan as he rounded the Albion keeper.

Jorginho stepped up to take the penalty and Chelsea’s captain sent Ryan the wrong way with his trademark hop before shooting.

Brighton equalized in the 54th minute when Trossard’s 20-meter shot slipped under Kepa’s weak attempted save.

Kepa’s blunder wasn’t fatal for Chelsea as James restored their lead just 100 seconds later with a stunning 30-meter blast.(SD-Agencies)

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