In a gripping match at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea managed to fend off Brighton & Hove Albion’s spirited challenge, clinching a 3-2 victory. Despite being a man down, the Blues displayed resilience and tactical acumen to secure the win.
Chelsea started assertively, taking the lead with Enzo Fernandez’s decisive header, crafted from a Conor Gallagher corner and Benoit Badiashile’s clever assist. The Blues quickly doubled their lead, with Levi Colwill converting another set-piece opportunity.
Brighton’s Fightback and Chelsea’s Response
Brighton, undeterred, clawed one back through Facundo Buonanotte’s exquisite strike. The game’s complexion changed when Chelsea’s
Chelsea Player Ratings
Robert Sanchez: Steady under pressure (6/10)
Axel Disasi: Battled Brighton’s attack effectively (6/10)
Thiago Silva: A reassuring presence in defence (7/10)
Benoit Badiashile: Dominant display; nearly man of the match (9/10)
Levi Colwill: Impressive, despite a minor defensive lapse (8/10)
Moises Caicedo: Disciplined under pressure (6/10)
Enzo Fernandez: Masterful performance; scored twice (9/10)
Raheem Sterling: Quick, but lacked end product (6/10)
Conor Gallagher: Early dismissal marred his game (1/10)
Mykhailo Mudryk: A constant threat; won the penalty (7/10)
Nicolas Jackson: Energetic, though lacking in deeper play (7/10)
Substitutes
Cole Palmer (66′ for Sterling) – Solid in his role (6/10)
Ian Maatsen (72′ for Jackson) – Reliable performance (6/10)
Armando Broja (80′ for Mudryk) – Not enough time to rate
Manager
Mauricio Pochettino: Strong second-half tactics (8/10)
Brighton & Hove Albion Player Ratings
Jason Steele: Impressive saves and distribution (7/10)
Joel Veltman: Struggled to impact the game (5/10)
Jan Paul van Hecke: Quick in defensive recovery (6/10)
Igor: Mixed success in midfield transition (5/10)
Jack Hinshelwood: Competent against pacey Sterling (6/10)
Billy Gilmour: Consistent, though lacked penetration (5/10)
Carlos Baleba: Showed potential despite inexperience (5/10)
Facundo Buonanotte: Vital goal; combated Chelsea’s defence (7/10)
Adam Lallana: Assisted and threatened Chelsea’s goal (6/10)
Simon Adingra: Probing but lacked final product (6/10)
Evan Ferguson: Isolated in attack (5/10)
Substitutes
James Milner (57′ for Hinshelwood) – Disappointing penalty concession (2/10)
Joao Pedro (57′ for Lallana) – Impactful with a late goal (7/10)
Kaoru Mitoma (57′ for Buonanotte) – A steady influence (6/10)
Pascal Gross (57′ for Baleba) – Made a significant impact (7/10)
Benicio Baker-Boaitey (84′ for Igor) – Limited time to impact
Manager
Roberto De Zerbi: Struggled with team cohesion (6/10)
