Brighton vs Chelsea Report

Scorers: Palmer 34’, Nkunku 64’; Welbeck 90+8’

Red card: James 88’

Chelsea continued their late-season resurgence by securing their fourth consecutive Premier League victory, defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at the Amex Stadium.

This result pushes the Blues closer to securing a spot in European competition, demonstrating the progress they’ve made under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Early Dominance and Opening Goal

The game started with high intensity, with Chelsea quickly asserting their dominance. Noni Madueke’s early attempt was a sign of things to come, as both teams looked to assert themselves offensively.

It was Chelsea who broke the deadlock; Cole Palmer, recently named Chelsea Player of the Year, executed a brilliant header from Marc Cucurella’s assist to give his team the lead.

This goal highlighted the tactical efficiency Chelsea have developed, capitalising on their chances with clinical precision.

Controversy and VAR Decisions

The match wasn’t without its controversies, particularly involving a potential elbow by Tariq Lamptey on Mykhaylo Mudryk, which led to significant discussions about VAR’s intervention, or lack thereof.

This incident, and the non-call, kept the game on a knife-edge, adding to the drama of the first half, which ended with Chelsea narrowly ahead.

Second Half: Chelsea Seal the Deal

Chelsea continued to waste chances in the second half, with Nicolas Jackson notably failing to convert key opportunities.

However, the persistence paid off when Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku combined beautifully, with Nkunku scoring to double Chelsea’s lead. This goal was crucial as it gave Chelsea a comfortable buffer, which proved necessary when Brighton pushed back late in the game.

Brighton’s Late Surge

Brighton made a late surge in the dying minutes of the match. Danny Welbeck managed to pull one back, setting up a tense finale, especially after Chelsea captain Reece James was sent off for misconduct.

Despite Brighton’s efforts, including a hit on the post by Ansu Fati, Chelsea held on to secure all three points.

The victory lifts Chelsea to sixth in the PL table, right behind Tottenham and with a realistic chance of overtaking them.

For Brighton, the loss is a setback as they aim to secure a top-half finish, marking a disappointing end to their hopes of consecutive European campaigns.

As the season draws to a close, Chelsea’s late flourish under Pochettino’s guidance offers hope for a strong finish and potential European adventures next season.

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Brighton v Chelsea, 2023/24 | Premier League