Brighton and Hove Albion 4 vs. 1 Chelsea MW 14 Review
So predictable.
Chelsea travelled to Brighton to play them in matchweek 14 of the Premier League season. Brighton had not won a game under De Zerbi and Potter was unbeaten with Chelsea and heading back to Brighton for the first time. In the match preview I said that the script is basically written and it was up to Chelsea to upset the odds and rip up that script. It is safe to say that they did not rip up the script and it played out as it was expected to. Kepa started in goal with a back three of Chalobah, Silva, and Cucurella. Pulisic and Sterling played as the wing-backs with Loftus-Cheek and Kovacic in midfield. Mount, Gallagher, and Havertz started up front. It was a pretty attacking lineup but it was clear the defence would have to be on point.
Trossard scored in the fifth minute after Silva had made two brilliant clearances but he also played a poor pass that led to the goal. Loftus-Cheek then scored an own goal in the 14th minute and Chalobah scored an own goal before half time. Chelsea had some good chances during the first half as well with Gallagher coming close a few times but Sanchez made some brilliant saves to keep the team goalless.
The second half started with Gallagher delivering a top cross into the box and Havertz got one back for Chelsea with a header in the 48th minute. Sanchez once again made some great saves during the first 10-15 minutes of the half to keep Chelsea out. The game then slowed down and as Chelsea tried to move forward and get the goals Brighton got a fourth in the 92nd minute to cap off De Zerbi’s first win.
Chelsea Team Review
Goalkeepers
Kepa did not have a great first half and that was partly due to the defence looking so haphazard. He had to come off at half time due to a foot injury but hopefully he is ok. Mendy came on for the second half and didn’t have to make too many saves but his distribution was poor on a couple of occasions and Chelsea were lucky not to concede.
Defenders
The defenders were all poor in this game and there were only three that started the game. There was no organization and they could not handle the Brighton press. Chilwell came on in the second half to provide some threat going forward but it did little good.
Midfielders
Kovacic and Loftus-Cheek were ok and Kovacic had some good moments but it is so clear we lack a defensive midfielder who can be a shield in front of the defence. Mount and Gallagher played further forward and Gallagher actually played pretty well once again. Some good deliveries into the box and plenty of energy. An ok performance by all involved.
Forwards
Sterling was poor once again and I’m not sure what the problem is but he has dropped drastically in form. Pulisic was ok but had little impact in this game compared to his performances against Salzburg and prior opposition. Havertz got a goal to continue the momentum and at the very least hopefully he continues to score. Aubameyang, Broja, and Ziyech came on the second half but Brighton held strong.
Manager
Potter didn’t get the tactics right for another game but that is largely due to the injuries we have in defence. Fofana, Koulibaly, and James are all big misses and James particularly has no back up. Like Potter said post match it is a case of learning from the mistakes and moving on.
When I saw that Potter will travel to Brighton I felt that it would be a tricky game. Chelsea have taken their player of the year, their manager and are taking their employees as well. Add to that the fact they have not won a game and the animosity and passion from the fans was clear for everyone to see. Chelsea could not handle the pressure and the result was not a real shock. Now it is a case of resting key players against Dinamo Zagreb and giving some young players a chance. Omari Hutchinson made the bench against Brighton and maybe he gets minutes mid week. Next up in the league is Arsenal and that is going to be a massive game. Chelsea currently sit fifth in the table three points behind Newcastle and could drop down to sixth if United win.
No need to get carried away or panic after the result and this is what happens during a process. We saw what Potter can create when given time because his team that he built beat us yesterday. Two league games left before the World Cup and both are very important. COME ON CHELSEA!!!
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