FROM STAMFORD BRIDGE – Chelsea endured a late surge to clinch a 3-2 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
The Blues initially held a comfortable lead, going up by two goals before the Seagulls reduced the deficit, and Chelsea went down to ten men. Although Chelsea extended their lead to 3-1 in the second half, Brighton mounted a late comeback, scoring once more in added time. A VAR decision disallowed Brighton’s penalty, allowing Chelsea to hold on for the win.
In the opening stages, Chelsea seized the first half-chance, with Enzo Fernandez heading home from close range after a deep corner from Conor Gallagher was recycled by Benoit Badiashile. Fernandez nearly secured a brace moments later, but his header on the rebound was blocked.
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The Blues doubled their advantage from another corner routine, as Levi Colwill headed in Nicolas Jackson’s nod back across the line. Mykhailo Mudryk also came close to adding a third before Brighton pulled one back just before halftime. Facundo Buonanotte’s curling strike following an intricate team move narrowed the gap.
Chelsea’s two-goal lead was nearly restored at the start of the second half, but Jason Steele’s remarkable save denied Jackson’s flick. The Blues faced a setback when Gallagher received a second booking for a late challenge, reducing them to ten men.
In the 61st minute, Brighton conceded a penalty, and Fernandez calmly converted to make it 3-1. Brighton sought a penalty of their own later in the game, but their appeals were dismissed.
Brighton’s Joao Pedro scored in added time, raising hopes for a late comeback. In the dying moments, Brighton thought they had earned a penalty, but a VAR check overturned the decision, confirming that the ball had struck Colwill’s face, not his arm.
Despite Brighton’s late efforts, Chelsea managed to secure three crucial points in a challenging season.