Last updated on February 15, 2025
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Brighton defeated Chelsea twice in a space of six days, with Chelsea failing to register a shot on target in their Premier League defeat.
Image credit: LiveScore
Brighton & Hove Albion dominated Chelsea in a commanding 3-0 win at the American Express Stadium, tightening their grip on a European qualification spot while exposing Chelsea’s mounting struggles under Enzo Maresca.
Brighton started the match with intensity, and Japan international Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring in the 27th minute.
The forward exhibited excellent control as he brought down a long pass from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, cut inside Trevoh Chalobah, and curled a precise shot past Chelsea’s Filip Jorgensen.
It's the first time since September 2021 v Man City that Chelsea have failed to register a shot on target in a Premier League match ❌ pic.twitter.com/88MdCDJQMh
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Just before halftime, Yankuba Minteh doubled Brighton’s lead after brilliant attacking play from Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter.
Minteh’s sharp movement allowed him to finish from close range, capitalizing on Chelsea’s defensive frailties.
Despite Chelsea’s attempts to control possession, their lack of a cutting edge in front of goal proved costly.
They completed 717 passes to Brighton’s 320 but failed to register a single shot on target.
Minteh struck again in the 63rd minute, sealing the win as he slotted a low drive past Jorgensen, exposing Chelsea’s vulnerabilities on the left flank.
Chelsea’s Struggles Deepen
The defeat compounds Chelsea’s recent woes, following their FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton.
Noni Madueke’s early injury further weakened the squad, while Cole Palmer—Chelsea’s standout performer this season—looked off his usual pace.
Left-back Marc Cucurella endured a torrid night, with Brighton frequently exploiting his side, while substitutes like Jadon Sancho failed to make an impact.
Defensive lapses, a recurring theme in Chelsea’s season, were again evident, leaving manager Enzo Maresca visibly frustrated.
“The performance is not one you want to offer,” Maresca admitted. “We need to show more desire, especially at this stage of the season.”
Brighton on the Rise
Brighton’s victory lifts them to eighth in the Premier League table, just four points behind fifth-placed Manchester City.
With upcoming matches in hand, City, Newcastle, and Bournemouth all have the chance to overtake Chelsea, increasing pressure on Maresca’s side.
Meanwhile, Brighton fans celebrated their first home league win since November, signaling their intent to challenge for European football.
With Chelsea’s top-four hopes fading, the Blues must regroup quickly to salvage their season. Brighton, on the other hand, looks set to continue their impressive campaign under Fabian Hürzeler.
