In a thrilling FA Cup fourth-round match at the Amex Stadium, Brighton & Hove Albion secured a 2-1 victory over Chelsea, eliminating the Blues from the competition. The game was marked by early drama and standout individual performances.
Chelsea took an early lead in the 5th minute when Brighton's goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, misjudged a cross from Cole Palmer, resulting in an own goal. However, Brighton responded swiftly; just seven minutes later, Georginio Rutter equalized with a well-placed header. The decisive moment came in the 57th minute when Kaoru Mitoma showcased his skill by chipping the ball over Chelsea's keeper, Robert Sanchez, securing the win for the Seagulls.
Chelsea's performance was marred by a lack of creativity and a clear goal-scoring threat. Christopher Nkunku, in particular, had a challenging game, struggling to make a significant impact. Manager Enzo Maresca's post-match comments, suggesting that the team should focus on the Premier League and Conference League, did not sit well with fans, leading to increased criticism.
On the other hand, Brighton's victory was a testament to their resilience and tactical prowess under manager Fabian Hurzeler. This win propels them into the FA Cup fifth round for the fourth time in five years, highlighting the club's consistent progress in recent seasons.
This result continues Chelsea's struggles away from home and adds pressure on Maresca to turn things around as the season progresses. For Brighton, the victory serves as a significant morale boost, especially following their previous heavy defeat by Nottingham Forest.
