Kaoru Mitoma produced a moment of individual brilliance to inspire Brighton to a commanding victory over Chelsea, further denting the Blues’ hopes of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League. The Japanese forward showcased his sublime technical ability in the 19th minute, expertly controlling a long pass from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen before weaving past Trevoh Chalobah and curling a precise low shot beyond Filip Jorgensen into the far corner.
The goal set the tone for a dominant Brighton display, with Chelsea struggling to cope with the hosts’ intensity and attacking intent. Despite controlling possession, Enzo Maresca’s side found themselves unable to break down Brighton’s organized defense, while their own frailties at the back were ruthlessly exposed.
Minteh and Welbeck Punish Chelsea’s Defensive Woes
Brighton doubled their lead before halftime through Yankuba Minteh, who capitalized on some excellent work by Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter. The Gambia international slotted home from close range after a well-worked move that left Chelsea’s defense scrambling. The visitors’ struggles continued, with Chalobah’s rushed clearance playing a crucial role in the buildup to the goal.
Chelsea’s defensive woes were further compounded in the second half when Minteh struck again, this time taking advantage of a lapse in concentration down the Blues’ left side. Levi Colwill was caught out under pressure from Welbeck, allowing Minteh to drive forward and beat Jorgensen at his near post with a composed finish. The goal effectively ended the contest, with Brighton in full control and Chelsea showing little fight in response.
Chelsea’s Possession Without Purpose
Despite their struggles, Chelsea dominated possession, completing 717 passes compared to Brighton’s 320. However, their control of the ball failed to translate into meaningful attacking opportunities. Cole Palmer fired an early effort wide, while an Enzo Fernandez header was ruled out for a push on Joel Veltman, leaving the visitors with no shots on target across the 90 minutes.
Maresca’s side sorely missed the presence of Nicolas Jackson up front, as neither Jadon Sancho nor Noni Madueke provided the cutting edge needed to trouble Brighton’s defense. The lack of a focal point in attack was evident, with Chelsea’s buildup play too predictable and easily contained by Brighton’s disciplined defensive structure.
Maresca Admits to Chelsea’s ‘Worst’ Performance of the Season
Following the defeat, Maresca did not hold back in his criticism of his team’s display, labeling it their “worst” performance since he took charge last summer. The Italian manager acknowledged that his players lacked desire and intensity, admitting that the fans had every right to be frustrated by what they witnessed.
“The performance is not one you want to offer, so we are very upset and sorry for the fans that were here,” Maresca said post-match. “They are completely right to be upset, especially in this moment of the season. To come here and play in the way we played—not on the ball, in terms of desire—we probably need to show more.”
The manager’s concerns extended beyond just the defeat, as Chelsea suffered yet another injury blow when Madueke limped off early in the game. With the squad already stretched, Maresca now faces a significant challenge in reigniting Chelsea’s faltering push for a Champions League spot.
Brighton’s European Hopes Strengthened as Chelsea’s Crisis Deepens
For Brighton, this victory serves as a massive boost in their pursuit of European football. The Seagulls climbed to eighth place, just four points behind Manchester City in fifth, keeping their hopes of continental competition alive. With City, Newcastle, and Bournemouth all having games in hand, Brighton will need to maintain this level of performance in the coming weeks to stay in the hunt.
On the other hand, Chelsea’s grip on the top four continues to loosen. If their rivals secure victories in their upcoming fixtures, the Blues could find themselves slipping further down the table. With defensive fragility, attacking inconsistency, and a growing injury list, Maresca faces an uphill battle to salvage Chelsea’s season.
As Brighton celebrated a well-earned victory at the Amex Stadium, Chelsea departed the south coast with more questions than answers. If they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive, a significant turnaround is needed—and fast.
