Brighton v Chelsea LIVE: Latest updates as Blues look to maintain Champions League push
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are looking to secure a top-four spot, while Brighton are pushing for European football
Brighton face Chelsea in the Premier League less than a week after the Seagulls earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Blues in the FA Cup.
Karou Mitoma struck in the second half to book Brighton a place in the fifth round of the cup on Saturday night, with Chelsea unable to build on an early own goal from Bert Verbruggen.
But both sides will need to put that result behind them quickly as Enzo Maresca’s side visit the south coast again, with the visitors looking to consolidate their place in the top four and take themselves five points ahead of Manchester City.
Brighton sit in 10th ahead of kick-off, but they’re still just about in the hunt for European football as they trail seventh-placed Bournemouth by six points.
Follow all the action with our live blog below:
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Brighton secure a comfortable 3-0 victory at the Amex Stadium against Chelsea in the Premier League! The Seagulls opened the scoring in the first half as Mitoma scored one of the goals of the season, taking a long ball from Verbruggen under control before darting past Chalobah and firing into the bottom corner. Shortly after, Brighton, who produced 1.7 expected goals in the game, doubled their lead as Minteh was found in the box by Welbeck, and he evaded the challenge of Cucurella before finding the back of the net from close range. After the break, Chelsea enjoyed more of the possession, but they couldn't find a way through. It was Hurzeler's side who found the third and final goal of the game, as Welbeck once again picked out Minteh who struck towards the near corner, seeing his shot deflect off Chalobah and fly beyond Jorgensen. It was a disappointing display from Chelsea, who created just 0.57 expected goals throughout, and they will need to bounce back away to Aston Villa next weekend. Up next for Brighton is a trip to Southampton in the Premier League. That's all for today, goodbye!
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
The game is petering out for Chelsea and Brighton are enjoying themselves right now. Maresca looks on in disappointment as the Seagulls try and keep possession until the final whistle.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Close! O'Riley finds Lamptey on the left as Brighton go in search of a fourth goal. He takes a touch and enters the box before striking with his weaker foot, but he fails to hit the target and Chelsea are awarded a goal-kick.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
The fourth official has indicated that there will be a minimum of six minutes of added time at the end of the game.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Minteh, who was comfortably one of the best players on the pitch today, receives a standing ovation as he heads to the bench. Adingra comes on for the final few minutes.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Almost an own goal! James finds George down the right-hand side and he fires a low cross into the penalty area. Webster gets on the end of it but he pokes it towards goal, and Verbruggen makes a superb save to deny him.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Ayari plays a smart pass over the top of the Chelsea defence and Veltman has burst forward. He gets on the end of it and pokes towards goal from just a few yards out, but Jorgensen makes a superb save, tipping it onto the post!
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Substitution Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba Yasin Abbas Ayari
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