5 Things Learned: Chelsea 2-1 West Ham | Premier League

Thomas Tuchel's lacklustre Chelsea held on to all three points despite late VAR drama in 2-1 London derby win against West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues started the first half in control but despite their large dominance of possession, they failed to fashion any clear cut chances and the teams went into the break level.

After a dismal opening 45 things got worse for Chelsea in the 62nd minute, a scramble from a West Ham corner was bundled home by Michail Antonio.

It looked as though it was going to be a frustrating afternoon for Tuchel's side, but a chance made out of nothing by Chilwell levelled the game in the 75th minute.

Thomas Tuchel on the sideline at Stamford Bridge. (Chelsea FC)

Chelsea continued to push, and they thought they had found the winner when Kai Havertz buried his chance from a Chilwell cross.

The game was not over though, Maxwell Cornet fired home to make it 2-2, the goal however was chalked off due to a foul on Edouard Mendy.

Despite the late VAR antics, Chelsea held onto all three points against the Hammers.

The Blues will now prepare for their opening game in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb.

Here are five things Absolute Chelsea learned from the encounter:

1) The Blues' tempo is not quick enough

There was no pace to Chelsea's game today, making it easy for West Ham to control their attacks. Despite some glimpses where Reece James made things happen down the right-hand side the Blues looked stagnant. There was no rhythm to cause David Moyes' team problems.

2) Set-pieces need to be looked at drastically

Another goal from a corner against West Ham marked the fourth time this season Tuchel's side have conceded from a set-piece. While the defensive weakness from set-pieces is the major concern, the Blues also failed to convert anything from their own. In the first half alone, the west London side had eight corners, but the deliveries were mostly woeful.

Kai Havertz celebrating a goal vs West Ham. (Chelsea FC)

3) Chelsea need to play a number nine

Yes the creativity throughout was poor, but once Armando Broja came on Chelsea had much more to aim for. Once Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is fit and ready to go it would be a surprise to see the Blues not play with a recognised number nine again.

4) The backline looks vastly improved

Having completed the signing of Wesley Fofana from Leicester City on Wednesday the defence is taking shape. The Frenchman looks to be a superb addition at the back. While the goal that was conceded was very poor, throughout the rest of the game the defensive shape looked better. Most counter-attacks were dealt with relatively comfortably.

5) Losing possession too easily

When getting into the attacking third, Chelsea gave away possession to West Ham far too easily. Tuchel will not be impressed with the ability his side displayed in this area. While they managed to get forward, a lot of potential chances were wasted.