In a commanding display at the Amex Stadium on Friday, February 14, 2025, Brighton & Hove Albion secured a 3-0 victory over Chelsea. This defeat marked Chelsea’s second loss to Brighton within a week, following their FA Cup exit, and has intensified scrutiny on manager Enzo Maresca’s tenure.
First Half: Mitoma’s Magic Sets the Tone
The match began with Chelsea maintaining significant possession, yet they struggled to penetrate Brighton’s organized defense. The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute by Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, who showcased exceptional skill by controlling a long pass from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with a sublime first touch over his shoulder. Mitoma then maneuvered past defender Trevoh Chalobah and delivered a precise low shot into the far corner, leaving Chelsea’s goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen with no chance. This goal is already being hailed as a potential contender for the Premier League Goal of the Season.
Chelsea’s attempts to respond were thwarted when Enzo Fernandez’s header found the net but was disallowed due to a foul in the buildup. Brighton capitalized on their momentum, and in the 38th minute, Yankuba Minteh extended the lead. After Chelsea’s defense failed to clear their lines, Danny Welbeck set up Minteh, who evaded Marc Cucurella and fired home from close range.
Second Half: Brighton Seals the Deal
The second half saw Chelsea attempting to regain control, but their efforts were undermined by a lack of offensive cohesion and defensive frailties. In the 63rd minute, Brighton further extended their lead. Following appeals from Chelsea for a foul on Levi Colwill, which were dismissed by the referee, Welbeck once again found Minteh. The Gambian winger showcased composure as he navigated past Cucurella and unleashed a powerful shot from eight yards, securing his second goal of the match and solidifying Brighton’s dominance.
Chelsea’s Offensive Woes
A glaring statistic from the match was Chelsea’s inability to register a single shot on target, a feat not seen since a 2021 Premier League match against Manchester City. Despite holding nearly 70% possession, the Blues lacked a cutting edge in the final third. The absence of recognized strikers Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu due to injuries forced Maresca to deploy Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku in advanced roles. However, this tactical adjustment failed to yield the desired results, as both players struggled to pose a significant threat to Brighton’s defense.
Maresca’s Post-Match Reflections
In his post-match press conference, Enzo Maresca did not mince words, labeling the performance as the “worst” since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. He expressed deep frustration, particularly given the opportunity to widen the gap over trailing teams in the league standings. Maresca emphasized the need for immediate improvements, stating, “When you play these games in the moment we are, where you can make the gap bigger to the ones behind us and you perform like we did tonight, there are many things that we need to do better.”
Brighton’s Resurgence
For Brighton, this victory marked a significant turnaround following a heavy 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in their previous league outing. The Seagulls’ ability to regroup and deliver a stellar performance against a top-tier opponent underscores the resilience and tactical acumen instilled by manager Fabian Hürzeler. The win propelled Brighton to eighth place in the league standings, reigniting their aspirations for European competition in the coming season.
Conclusion
Brighton’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Chelsea not only highlighted the Seagulls’ attacking prowess but also exposed the underlying issues plaguing the Blues. As Chelsea faces mounting pressure to secure a top-four finish, addressing their offensive deficiencies and defensive lapses will be paramount in the crucial fixtures ahead.
