5 Things Learned: Chelsea 3-2 Brighton & Hove Albion | Premier League

Chelsea held on with ten men to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-2 on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues bounced back to winning ways with an impressive victory over Roberto De Zerbi’s team.

The hosts established early control in this contest and after just 17 minutes they found themselves in the lead. Benoit Badiashile scooped the ball over his head into a dangerous area and Enzo Fernandez prodded home from close range to net his first goal for the west Londoners.

Midway through the first half and just four minutes later Chelsea had a second, an almost identical goal to the opener. Another corner from Conor Gallagher found Nicolas Jackson at the back post, he then re-directed it into the danger area and this time it was Levi Colwill who bagged his first goal for Chelsea.

While the Blues looked to be cruising to an easy win, the game was turned on its head at the end of the first half. As well as giving away a very soft goal that was tucked away beautifully by Facundo Buonanotte, Gallagher was then sent off moments later after picking up a second yellow.

In the second half Brighton started to take a hold of the game, with the extra man giving them more possession. They failed however to create many clear cut chances to cause the Blues problems.

Chelsea looked to strike on the counter-attack, and just after the hour mark they found success from it. Mykhailo Mudryk burst through the middle and was brought down by James Milner. Despite not being awarded originally, a VAR check gave the Blues a penalty. Fernandez stepped up and scored his second of the contest.

Late on, there was a big scare for the hosts. Joao Pedro scored in added time to make it 3-2 and the pressure was on Chelsea. This was followed by a VAR check in the closing moments which had the home fans’ hearts in their mouths. After a look at the monitor, there was clearly no handball from Colwill. Chelsea hung on to all three points.

Here are five things Absolute Chelsea learned from the contest at Stamford Bridge.

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1) Chelsea’s ill-discipline becoming a problem

In back-to-back games the Blues have seen their captain sent off. Last week it was Reece James against Newcastle United and this week Gallagher received his marching orders.

Gallagher’s red card was a careless one. Given he had already been booked, he should not have steamed into the challenge the way he did against Billy Gilmour. It was a terrible decision from the 23-year-old.

That is now the third red card Chelsea have picked up already this season and Pochettino must fix this discipline issue.

2) The Blues failed to capitalise in the first half

While Chelsea found themselves with a comfortable looking two-goal lead after just 21 minutes, they failed to wrap up the contest – which they could have easily done in the first half.

Following Colwill’s goal the Blues fell flat. Brighton were there for the taking and Chelsea should have pressed home their advantage. Instead they dropped off.

This could have easily cost them, but they did hold on for all three points.

3) Ten man Chelsea showed good fight

It was looking ropey for the home side when Buonanotte scored and Gallagher was sent off before half-time, but the Blues still took all three points against Brighton.

The counter-attack was a weapon that Chelsea utilised when the visitors had control of possession in the second half and it worked very well.

On the defensive end the west London side manage to snuff out any danger and did not let Brighton back into the game.

4) Chelsea’s tough run of fixtures are nearly over

In the last six games Chelsea have played Arsenal, Brentford, Tottenham, Manchester City, Newcastle and Brighton, winning two, losing two and drawing two.

Next up for the Blues is Manchester United, which marks the end of Chelsea’s extremely tough run of matches.

On paper, the upcoming fixture schedule is much easier for Pochettino’s side.

5) Christopher Nkunku still not quite ready

There has been much anticipation for Christopher Nkunku’s competitive debut for Chelsea, and although he was close to being in the squad against the Seagulls, he is still not ready.

The 26-year-old arrived in the summer but picked up a knee injury in pre-season that has ruled him out for a lengthy period of time.

In midweek the Blues take on Manchester United and Nkunku will be hopeful of being involved in that game.