Chelsea suffer humiliating Premier League loss to Brighton

Chelsea FC endured a second consecutive loss away to Brighton & Hove Albion, a 3-0 loss, with the damage done in 11 first-half minutes of the English Premier League clash on Friday night.

The match began evenly, with Cole Palmer coming close to scoring for Chelsea. However, Brighton took the lead midway through the first half with a stunning goal from Kaoru Mitoma. The home side doubled their advantage shortly after when Yankuba Minteh capitalised on a loose ball in the six-yard box.

Minteh sealed the win with a third goal just after the hour mark. Despite getting into promising positions, Chelsea struggled to create clear chances and finished the match without a shot on target.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made four changes to the team that played six days earlier. Filip Jorgensen returned as goalkeeper, while Levi Colwill replaced Tosin Adarabioyo in defence. Enzo Fernandez started in midfield instead of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Noni Madueke replaced Jadon Sancho in attack. Reece James was fit enough for the bench.

Palmer and Christopher Nkunku played in advanced central positions, with Nkunku operating slightly deeper. Chelsea started well, but Brighton had the first real chance when Moises Caicedo blocked Danny Welbeck’s shot from close range.

In the 17th minute, Nkunku and Madueke combined to set up Palmer, but his shot went wide. Worse still, Madueke picked up an injury and had to be substituted, with Sancho coming on. Pedro Neto switched to the right wing.

Brighton took the lead in the 27th minute with a superb goal. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen sent a long ball forward, which Mitoma controlled brilliantly before cutting inside and curling a shot past Jorgensen into the far corner.

Chelsea responded with efforts from Neto and Fernandez, but the latter’s goal was ruled out for a push in the box.

With seven minutes left in the first half, Brighton struck again. Georginio Rutter worked his way into the box and sent in a cross-shot that deflected off Colwill. Jorgensen made a great save, but Welbeck reacted quickly and found Minteh, who fired into the net.

Brighton almost extended their lead early in the second half, but Rutter shot over the bar. Chelsea had more possession but struggled to break down Brighton’s defence.

Minteh’s second sealed the win.

Brighton made it 3-0 just after the hour mark. Colwill lost possession, allowing Welbeck to play in Minteh, who cut inside Cucurella and scored, with a deflection off Chalobah helping the ball past Jorgensen.

Maresca brought on James, Dewsbury-Hall, and Tyrique George in the final 30 minutes. George had a brief chance but was denied by Brighton’s defence.

Brighton had further opportunities to extend their lead, with Jorgensen saving from Mitoma and Joao Pedro missing a free header. Late in the game, Jorgensen tipped Joel Veltman’s flick onto the post, while at the other end, Verbruggen prevented Adam Webster from scoring an own goal.

Chelsea remain in fourth place ahead of the rest of the weekend’s fixtures. Fifth-placed Manchester City face Newcastle United, who are in sixth, on Saturday.

Following the loss to Brighton, Chelsea’s next match is against Aston Villa at Villa Park next Saturday, with kick-off at 5:30 pm.