Brighton Vs Chelsea

Introduction

It rocked Chelsea’s serene composure and their prospects for the 2024/2025 campaign: a 3-0 thrashing of Chelsea at the Amex Stadium on February 14, 2025. While the victory highlighted Chelsea’s lingering problems, it has all but cemented Brighton’s emergence as a formidable Premier League side under Roberto De Zerbi.

Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, produced what he later termed their worst performance, recording a blank shot on goal. Meanwhile, Brighton executed their game plan perfectly: Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh (2) guaranteed a well-earned victory.

Head-to-Head Record

Traditionally, this was a Chelsea fixture. However, in recent years, Brighton’s men have often challenged the Londoners.

Last 5 Matches Before This One:

• Brighton 3-0 Chelsea (February 14, 2025)

• Chelsea 2-1 Brighton

• Brighton 4-1 Chelsea

• Chelsea 1-1 Brighton

• Brighton 2-1 Chelsea

This was Brighton’s third victory in the last five meetings, proving that they are now a heavyweight contender against the Blues.

Team Form and Recent Performances

Brighton’s Form Going into the Match:

Indeed, that is what Brighton had done last season: combining a high-octane pressing game with fast and fluid attacking play.

A terrific home record at the Amex Stadium.

Huge possession stats; often controlling the midfield.

Dangerous wingers cause real problems for opposing defenses.

Defensive lapses now and then against counter-attacking teams.

Chelsea’s Form Before the Match:

Chelsea went into the game reeling from a crisis as it tried to throw inconsistency into a squad that was full of talent.

Celery of young, exciting talents.

Cole Palmer is on fire, creating huge chances.

No recognized striker.

Defensive mistakes that cost precious points.

This match was supposed to be a revival in the life of Chelsea but instead turned out to be the opposite.

Tactical Analysis

Brighton’s Tactical Trend (4-2-3-1)

Roberto De Zerbi’s side played confidently and executed the game plan flawlessly:

• Aggressive high pressing: Brighton pressed relentlessly, forcing errors by Chelsea deeply within its half.

• Wide concourses: Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh stretched Chelsea’s distorted line, picking up their full-backs one by one.

• Control in midfield: Pascal Groß and Billy Gilmour were far too busy disrupting Chelsea’s three-man midfield from fulfilling any passing rhythm.

• Rapid transition: Brighton transitioned rapidly and counterattacked once Chelsea’s defense moved slowly into recovery.

Chelsea’s Tactical Issues (4-3-3)

Enzo Maresca’s tactics failed against Brighton’s aggressive playstyle:

The attackers were nonexistent: Chelsea failed to register a shot on target the entire match, with Brighton’s defense winning the battle.

• The midfield was weak: Caicedo and Fernández were run over, unable to cope with Brighton’s tempo.

• Defensive gaps were present: Brighton’s wingers exploited the spaces consistently amid Chelsea’s narrow full-back setup.

• Unforced errors: Chelsea looked passive and predictable, never able to grow their already fading momentum.

• A tactical imbalance persisted throughout a painful performance and resulted in what had to be Chelsea’s low of the season.

Key Figures & Their Influence

Brighton Player’s Shines

Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring brilliantly and was a thorn on the left flank.

Yankuba Minteh with two goals did give Chelsea’s backline a torrid time with his speed and directness.

Pascal Groß was the orchestrator in midfield, creatively passing the ball and dictating play.

The Chelsea Struggles

• Cole Palmer up front is all but isolated through lack of service.

• Moisés Caicedo against his former club looked lost and incapable of throwing his weight around in midfield.

• Old Thiago Silva did try to organize the defensive unit but found Brighton’s attacks unrelenting through their extent and persistence.

Post-Game Highlights/Key Moments

16′ – Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton scored and made it 1-0.

• Brighton picked up Chelsea’s slow start.

• Mitoma ran from left to inside and curled a shot past the keeper into an empty net.

49′ – Yankuba Minteh made it 2-0 for Brighton.

• An electrifying counter from Brighton, with Mitoma assisting Minteh, who coolly tucked in the ball.

• The defense of Brighton was completely unstructured and open.

73′ – Yankuba Minteh (3-0, Brighton).

• Brighton made sure of victory with Minteh getting his second and sealing the game with an absolute cracker from outside.

• Chelsea’s defense opened up yet again.

Chelsea, despite some late push, could not test Brighton’s goal quite as the game ended in 90 minutes without a shot on target.

Predicted Lineups & Final Confirmed XI

Brighton Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

Bart Verbruggen-GK

Tariq Lamptey, Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Pervis Estupiñán-DEF

Pascal Groß, Billy Gilmour-MID

Solly March, João Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma-AM

Evan Ferguson-FW

Chelsea Starting XI(4-3-3)

Djordje Petrović-GK

Malo Gusto, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella-DEF

Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Conor Gallagher-MID

Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling-FW

Match Impact: What This Result Means on Both Sides

Brighton:

Strengthened their pursuit of European qualification.

Showed they can dominate and attack the big teams.

Roberto De Zerbi’s tactics continue to impress.

Chelsea:

Worst defeat this season, questioning Maresca’s tactics.

Midfield and attack issues remain unresolved.

Strikers are badly required to finish the jobs.

Final Thoughts of Brighton Vs Chelsea

Tactical execution without a hitch and attacking efficiency made all the difference for Brighton in this match. Chelsea, on the other hand, provided one of their most uninspired performances, without challenging their opponents in any department.

Final Score: Brighton 3-0 Chelsea

Mitoma (16′)

Minteh (49′)

Minteh (73′)

Brighton will celebrate this victory as a statement win, while Chelsea fans will demand changes urgently. See more

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