Brighton Strike Late to Seal 3-1 Premier League Win Over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge | OneFootball

Chelsea 1-3 Brighton: Late Goals Punish Ill-Discipline in Premier League Clash

Chelsea once again saw their discipline unravel as Brighton produced a remarkable late turnaround to win 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. For the second Saturday in succession, a Chelsea red card handed the initiative to their opponents, and this time Danny Welbeck and Maxim de Cuyper capitalised in dramatic fashion.

Chelsea’s Early Control Undone

For much of the opening half, Chelsea looked comfortable. Their tempo was sharp, possession controlled and their opener reflected both intent and invention. Enzo Fernandez rose to meet Reece James’s cross, his header deflecting off Kaoru Mitoma and leaving Bart Verbruggen with no chance.

That early advantage should have provided the foundation for Chelsea to push on, but once again lapses of concentration shifted the momentum. Mitoma, direct and persistent, pressed high into Andrey Santos, who was making his first Premier League start. The Brazilian midfielder hesitated, Mitoma stole the ball, and Trevoh Chalobah resorted to a desperate challenge on Georginio Rutter.

After a lengthy VAR review, Chalobah’s 53rd-minute dismissal left Chelsea a man down, echoing the costly sending-off of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in their defeat at Manchester United just a week earlier.

Brighton Take Their Chance

Brighton sensed weakness and Fabian Hurzeler’s substitutions proved decisive. Welbeck entered the fray with typical energy, ghosting to the far post in the 77th minute to head home the equaliser. Suddenly the momentum was all Brighton, and Chelsea’s composure cracked further.

As the game rolled into eleven minutes of stoppage time, the visitors struck again. Maxim de Cuyper rose highest from a corner in the second minute of added time, planting his header beyond the reach of Djordje Petrovic. Chelsea, rocked by the turnaround, offered little resistance as Brighton pressed home their advantage.

Welbeck returned to the spotlight in the ninth minute of stoppage time, finishing from close range to seal Brighton’s triumph. From leading and looking assured, Chelsea had been exposed and dismantled in a punishing finale.

Pressure Mounts on Chelsea

The final whistle brought boos from sections of Stamford Bridge, a response to Chelsea’s slide in form. Dropping to seventh place, they remain without a Premier League victory since the international break, and with Liverpool next to visit west London, pressure is mounting.

Questions over discipline will not fade quickly. Two consecutive red cards have undone weeks of tactical progress and left Enzo Maresca searching for solutions. The Blues cannot afford repeated lapses if they are to compete for Champions League places.

Brighton’s Growing Confidence

For Brighton, the picture is brighter. Rising into tenth place, this was another result that showcased their resilience against traditional big six opposition. Hurzeler’s side have now established a reputation for seizing opportunities, and the blend of youth and experience once again proved effective.

Mitoma’s spark, De Cuyper’s timing and Welbeck’s sharpness gave Brighton the edge. They may sit mid-table, but their ability to punish elite sides underlines their growing confidence and consistency.

As Chelsea reflect on indiscipline and missed chances, Brighton leave Stamford Bridge with belief, momentum and a reminder that tactical patience and persistence can bring reward in the Premier League.