Match Report: Chelsea 1‑3 Brighton & Hove Albion

Chelsea suffered their first home defeat of 2025 in the Premier League, losing 1-3 to Brighton & Hove Albion. A red card for Trevoh Chalobah in the second half proved to be the game-changer, as Brighton capitalized on their numerical advantage, scoring three goals in just 23 minutes.

The Blues started well, dominating the opening 45 minutes with crisp passing and a solid attacking rhythm. Their pressure paid off midway through the first half when Enzo Fernández headed home a Reece James cross, which had taken a deflection. With Chelsea in control, Brighton barely threatened, failing to register a shot on target and offering little offensive danger.

Turning Point & Collapse

The match took a dramatic turn early in the second half. A poor back pass from Andrey Santos, under pressure from Kaoru Mitoma, allowed Diego Gómez to break forward. Chalobah attempted to make a challenge but was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity after a VAR review. Chelsea were left with 10 men for the remaining 37 minutes.

Chelsea responded by making immediate substitutions, bringing on Josh Acheampong for Santos and Malo Gusto for Estevão to strengthen the defense.

Brighton capitalized on their advantage, leveling the score in the 77th minute when Danny Welbeck scored a close-range header from a Minteh cross. From there, the momentum shifted completely in Brighton's favor.

In stoppage time, Brighton struck again. In the 90+2 minute, Maxim De Cuyper found the back of the net from a well-worked corner. In the dying moments, Welbeck sealed the victory, completing his brace after Brighton intercepted and countered quickly, marking his sixth goal in seven matches against Chelsea.

Tactical Notes & Player Performances

Chelsea’s manager Maresca made seven changes to his lineup from the previous match. Robert Sánchez returned in goal following suspension, James and Marc Cucurella resumed their full-back roles, Moises Caicedo slotted into midfield, and the attack featured Estevão Willian, Pedro Neto, and João Pedro.

Chelsea started brightly, testing Brighton’s defense with free-kicks from Fernández and James, and a near miss from Cucurella. However, Brighton, though defensively solid, failed to create significant chances in the first half, with only Minteh and Mitoma looking dangerous.

The game changed dramatically after the red card. Brighton’s coach Fabian Hurzeler made attacking changes, introducing Welbeck and Brajan Gruda to apply more pressure. The substitutions paid off, with Welbeck's clinical finishing making the difference.

Chelsea tried to reorganize into a 5‑3‑1 shape, bringing on Benoît Badiashile and Romeo Lavia, but they struggled to cope with Brighton’s relentless pressing and pace. The loss exposed Chelsea’s lack of depth and composure, particularly in defense and midfield.

Welbeck stood out for his timing, aerial dominance, and finishing under pressure, while Chelsea's substitutes had little impact in stemming the tide.

Significance & Outlook

This defeat marks Chelsea’s second consecutive loss in the league, dropping them to seventh in the early Premier League standings. With European action on the horizon, Chelsea will need to regroup quickly ahead of their midweek fixture against Benfica at Stamford Bridge.

For Brighton, the victory is a significant one. To come away from Stamford Bridge with a win, especially after the match had been disrupted by the red card, shows tactical discipline and clinical finishing in crucial moments.