Enzo Fernandez scored twice as 10-man Chelsea managed to clinch a thrilling victory against Brighton at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentine midfielder put Chelsea ahead after 17 minutes with a brilliant header from Benoit Badiashile’s curved cross, and former Brighton loanee Levi Colwill doubled the lead just four minutes later with his first goal for Chelsea.
Facundo Buonanotte pulled one back for the visitors with an exceptional curling effort, and Brighton further got back into the game when Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher received a second yellow card and was sent off at the end of the first half.
However, Fernandez restored Chelsea’s two-goal advantage from the penalty spot midway through the second half.
Referee Craig Pawson initially allowed play to continue when James Milner challenged Mykhailo Mudryk inside the box, but he awarded the penalty after consulting the video assistant referee.
Brighton continued to dominate possession but struggled to create genuinely worrying chances for Chelsea until Joao Pedro narrowed the score with a header in the second minute of injury time.
The Seagulls were then awarded a penalty in the 10th additional minute for a handball by Colwill, but VAR intervened again, overturning the decision as replays showed the ball hit the defender’s head rather than his outstretched arm.
This victory marks Chelsea’s second win at home in the Premier League this season, while the defeat means Brighton has won only one of their last eight league games.
Chelsea Holds On for Crucial Victory
A minute’s applause before kick-off honored former England manager Terry Venables, who also captained Chelsea during his playing days.
Venables’ best sides during his coaching career played with attacking flair, but this victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s men was built on resilience.
Chelsea started well and deserved the lead given by Fernandez’s close-range header from Badiashile’s curved cross.
When Colwill made it 2-0 shortly after, it seemed like they might run away with it against a Brighton side that made numerous changes following their Europa League efforts.
However, Chelsea surprisingly went flat after their quickfire double, giving Brighton a foothold in the match. The visitors took advantage when Buonanotte received a pass from Adam Lallana, cut it from the right, and bent the ball into the far corner.
When Gallagher, who had been booked for a hefty challenge on Buonanotte, then stretched to bring down Billy Gilmour and was sent off, Chelsea fans might have feared a collapse similar to what they witnessed at Newcastle eight days earlier.
Instead, there was much-needed stubbornness from the home side. They were organized at the back, and despite Brighton’s possession, Chelsea defended stoutly, and chances were at a premium.
“We deserved the win, but it was a complicated second half with one player less,” said Pochettino to BBC Match of the Day.
“Brighton is a very good team and is playing well. Sometimes they force you to play deep, but the attitude of the players was really good.
“The team is tired, we are all tired, but overall happy. After Newcastle, we needed to show a different face. That’s why I’m happy.”
Joao Pedro’s late goal led to some late drama, but Chelsea stood firm enough. The quality in their squad is clear, but here they showed the kind of grit that will stand them in good stead going forward.
Brighton Falls Short at the End of an Impressive Week
Coming back from two goals down to secure a point, possibly three, at Stamford Bridge would have capped an already historic week for Roberto de Zerbi’s side.
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Despite their best efforts in this game, it was not to be for the Seagulls.
“I think we played much better than Chelsea,” said Brighton manager De Zerbi to BBC Match of the Day.
While Brighton responded admirably to going 2-0 down and enjoyed nearly 80% possession in the second half, the frustration will be that they lacked sharpness in the final third to really make it count.
Fatigue may have played a part, but with a busy December ahead and more European football to come in the new year, that is something Brighton will need to get used to.
“I’m really happy for the future of the club, but I want to win now, and I want to reach the target now because we have to do better,” added De Zerbi. “We have to play in a stronger way.”
Even in defeat, there were points of encouragement for the Seagulls, with so many injuries and suspensions to contend with. They will now focus on capitalizing on home assignments against Brentford and Burnley in the coming days.
