TIMO WERNER took just four minutes to open his Chelsea account as he struck in the first English game with fans since lockdown.
Brighton allowed in 2,500 of their own supporters as part of a government pilot scheme bidding to bring crowds back in the Covid era.
Hakim Ziyech impressed against Brighton before suffering an injury scareCredit: Rex Features
But they were dealt an early blow as £47million Chelsea new-boy Werner struck almost instantly.
The spectators did have the last laugh though as Pascal Gross fired home a last-gasp penalty, after Neal Maupay had missed a spot-kick earlier.
Frank Lampard’s men also suffered a scare as Werner’s fellow new-boy Hakim Ziyech limped off early in the second half.
It was Ziyech who sparked the opener, whipping in a superb cross from deep to Callum Hudson-Odoi, who unintentionally cushioned a header into Werner’s path.
The ex-RB Leipzig man did the rest, firing home from seven yards.
Werner looked a real threat throughout, showing a precise touch and excellent movement as he often pushed out wide, swapping roles with Ziyech.
Moroccan Ziyech, signed from Ajax for £38m, also put in an exciting display with his bullet passes that aimed to set up attacks at every opportunity.
Timo Werner opened his Chelsea account in less than four minutesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The playmaker’s move has been somewhat overlooked with the expected arrival of Kai Havertz but his creativity and work-rate seem welcome additions to Frank Lampard’s side.
For those reasons, Lampard will be crossing his fingers Ziyech’s problem that forced him off – it looked to be a foot issue – is not serious.
That happened just after sub keeper Willy Caballero had denied Neal Maupay’s penalty, which had been given for a foul on Lewis Dunk.
Brighton went close again when Aaron Webster headed Alexis Mac Allister’s free-kick against the bar.
And in the end they did grab an equaliser as Aaron Connolly was felled in the box and Gross converted from 12 yards.
It gave the fans something to cheer loudly and proudly in the dying minutes.
Though after the misery of the last six months, they will have been happy just to be attending at all.
Chelsea are close to signing Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record feeCredit: EPA
Fans return to English football for first time in six months as Brighton host Chelsea in friendly at Amex stadium
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
