Brighton defeated Chelsea 4-1 to grant their former coach his first defeat since he took over the Blues
Graham Potter returns to the Amex Stadium this afternoon for the first time since joining the Blues in September, hoping to continue his undefeated run as manager against a Seagulls team that has suffered since his departure.
The manager has had an interesting start to life with the Blues, having to deal with match postponements, crucial player injuries, and a variety of formations. With a win at his former haunts, he can propel them to third place in the Premier League.
Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who faces his former club, makes two changes from the midweek Champions League win over Salzburg, recalling Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic both start for the Blues.
Kovacic has been nursing a calf problem but is fit to play, while Havertz leads the attack, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the bench along with Jorginho.
Brighton also make two changes. Kaoru Mitoma and Pervis Estupinan replace Joel Veltman and Danny Welbeck.
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Line-up
Brighton: Sanchez, Webster, Estupinan, Dunk, Webster, March, Mac Allister, Caicedo, Trossard, Mitoma, Gross, Lallana.
Subs: Steele, Lamptey, Sarmiento, Ensico, Undav, Gilmour, Turns, Furlong, Moran.
Chelsea: Kepa, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella, Sterling, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Gallagher, Mount, Pulisic, Havertz.
Subs: Mendy, Jorginho, Aubameyang, Broja, Zakaria, Chilwell, Ziyech, Azpilicueta, Hutchinson.
Brighton did not delay before getting their first goal because they began to play direct with great intention, on the 5th minute their goal came from Leandro Trossard with Kaoru Mitoma giving the assist.
The first half was too difficult for Chelsea as they ship in three goals, Brighton was all over Chelsea such that they were forced into making own goal in 14th minute, 42nd minute through Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Chalobah.
It is very obvious that the injury situation for Chelsea is a major issue for them this afternoon, Jame, Fofana and Koulibaly are all down due to injuries. It would have been better if they are availabel of course.
The first half ended 3-0 in Brighton’s favor but shortly after came into the second half, Chelsea replied with a goal from Kai Havertz through Conor Gallagher assist and that was exactly 48th minute.
Pascal Gross made it 4 – 1 on the 92nd minute to seal the win for Brighton and Chelsea will have to put themselves together after this dissapointing outing for them.
