Chelsea were beaten mercilessly by Graham Potter’s former employees Brighton 4-1 at Falmer Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
After successive draws against Brentford and Manchester United, Chelsea were expected to build on Tuesday’s Champions League victory against RB Salzburg and get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
Due to the response from the home fans, Potter’s tactical duel with Roberto De Zerbi was an intriguing contest.
Graham Potter’s return to Brighton was disastrous as the south coast club destroyed Chelsea 4-1 to earn their first victory under Roberto De Zerbi.
Leandro Trossard scored in the fifth minute, and Chelsea trailed 3-0 at the half with own goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Chalobah.
Although the visitors were given hope by Kai Havertz’s goal soon after halftime, Potter ultimately lost the match for Chelsea as the Blues were unable to create a comeback.
Thiago Silva made a mistake that gave Brighton their first opportunity, but he atoned for it by clearing the ball off the line after Kepa was overthrown.
Brighton once more came near on the ensuing corner, but Silva made the save. Brighton made a quick start and took the lead at the Amex.
Following the Belgian’s turn around Kepa, Trossard blasted beyond Chalobah and Silva.
The second goal was scored by the home team when Ruben Loftus-Cheek deflected a corner from March into the goal.
The host proved to be incredibly challenging for the Blues to contain on their own half.
After the hosts scored their second, Chelsea came close to scoring. Sanchez initially stopped Gallagher from close range before Pulisic missed the rebound.
Just before halftime, the brilliant and persistent Brighton got a third goal. Trevoh Chalobah deflected Estupinan’s pulled back cross into the Chelsea goal after Estupinan had gotten past the Chelsea defense.
First goal was scored by Trossard. The Seagulls’ lead was increased by a Loftus-Cheek own goal. Prior the halftime, Brighton had a three-goal edge thanks to a Chalobah own goal.
Kai Havertz scored after a wonderful Gallagher cross with a straightforward head into the goal.
At the beginning of the second half, Kai Havertz skillfully headed home a spectacular Conor Gallagher cross, but it was insufficient.
Gross added another goal for Brighton just as Chelsea was regaining control of the game.
Mendy made three consecutive stops, but he was unable to deflect the ball away from the Brighton star.
All in all, it was a triumphant day for Brighton as events unfolded in a cinematic fashion, including not only an overwhelming victory, it was their new manager’s debut in front of their home fans, and a demonstration to their former boss of what he’s missing in west London.
What next for Chelsea and Graham Potter?
Without a doubt, Chelsea should reflect on this defeat. On the road today, careless mistakes in defense were only half of the issues.
There wasn’t much attacking sharpness, and Havertz’s starting position might be scrutinized in particular.
Chelsea’s next Premier League game is against Arsenal on November 6, 2022.
