Chelsea's aspirations for a top-four Premier League finish suffered a significant blow following a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. This loss, marking their second to Brighton in just a week after an FA Cup exit, has intensified scrutiny on manager Enzo Maresca and his squad.
The match commenced with promise for Brighton, as Kaoru Mitoma showcased exceptional skill in the 27th minute. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen launched a long ball from his own box, which Mitoma expertly controlled before cutting inside Trevoh Chalobah and slotting it past Filip Jorgensen. This goal not only highlighted Mitoma's prowess but also exposed glaring weaknesses in Chelsea's defense.
Chelsea's defensive frailties were further exploited when Yankuba Minteh added two more goals for Brighton. The Blues' backline, featuring Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill, appeared disorganized and vulnerable throughout the encounter. Cucurella, in particular, faced criticism for his inability to contain Brighton's wingers and for his overall lackluster performance.
Offensively, Chelsea's lineup, including Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku, failed to make a meaningful impact. The team did not register a single shot on target, a statistic that underscores their struggles in the final third. Palmer, who has been a creative force in previous matches, was effectively neutralized by Brighton's midfield, rendering him ineffective.
Manager Enzo Maresca expressed his frustration post-match, acknowledging the team's lack of cohesion and urgency. He emphasized the need for a collective improvement, stating that the current performances are unacceptable for a club of Chelsea's stature.
