Chelsea defender Reece James scored a scorching effort from range and got an assist as the Blues began their Premier League season with a hard-fought victory at Brighton.

Frank Lampard has spent more than £200m in the transfer window but could only start two of his new recruits the German pair Kai Havertz and Timo Werner.

The latter earned a penalty which was calmly dispatched by Jorghino to put the Blues in the lead.

Brighton had been the more impressive side prior to falling behind and passed up numerous chances to score a goal of theirs either side of conceding.

Graham Potter’s side were level in the second half through Leandro Trossard strike from just outside the box although Chelsea’s keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga didn’t do his battered reputation any getting beat easily.

But the Seagulls’ equaliser didn’t last long as James powered in an unstoppable effort past Matt Ryan to restore Chelsea’s lead.

Kurt Zouma then met James’ corner – his shot deflected in off Brighton defender Adam Webster to make it 3-1.

While the score line suggested Chelsea were vastly superior, the reality was anything but and Brighton who could have drawn level at 2-1 when Lewis Dunk missed a great chance, will rue their profligacy.

Earlier, Wolverhampton Wanderers got their season off to a winning start as two goals inside the opening six minutes from Raul Jimenez and Romain Saiss gave them victory over last season’s surprise package Sheffield United.