Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea bad run of form this year continued after an incredibly poor performance, highlighted by a lackluster showing from Christopher Nkunku, saw them dumped out of the FA Cup.
With a poor start to the year in the Premier League that has already seen them fall out of the title race, this match was an opportunity to push on for silverware and salvage a difficult season.
However, Brighton & Hove Albion had other plans, delivering a composed and clinical performance to eliminate the Blues with a 2-1 victory. Here are five major talking points from the match:
Five Talking Points from Chelsea’s 2-1 Loss to Brighton
1. Christopher Nkunku Struggles in Jackson’s Absence
The absence of Nicolas Jackson was glaring in Chelsea’s attack. Jackson has become a vital outlet for holding up play and linking attacks, a role that Christopher Nkunku struggled to replicate. The Frenchman often dropped deep in search of possession, leaving Chelsea without a focal point upfront. The lack of movement and presence in the box limited their attacking options, forcing Chelsea to rely heavily on wide plays that rarely came to fruition.
2. Defensive Fragility Exposed Again
Chelsea’s defensive weaknesses were highlighted as Brighton capitalized on poor marking and positioning. Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo failed to deal with Brighton’s aerial threat during Rutter’s equalizer. Additionally, Kaoru Mitoma’s winner showcased the lack of defensive awareness, as he was given ample space to execute a chip past Robert Sánchez.
3. Midfield Battles: Caicedo vs His Former Club
Moises Caicedo had a point to prove against his former side and put in a gritty performance. However, with limited support from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who struggled to keep up with Brighton’s tempo, Caicedo found himself overrun at times. The introduction of Enzo Fernández brought some composure to the midfield, but by then, Brighton had already seized control.
4. Brighton’s Tactical Brilliance
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi showcased why his side continues to be a force to reckon with. Their tactical flexibility and pressing game stifled Chelsea’s buildup. Mitoma and Lamptey stretched Chelsea’s defense, while Rutter’s intelligent movement disrupted the Blues’ backline. Despite having less possession, Brighton created better chances and were clinical in front of goal.
5. Chelsea’s Lack of Cutting Edge
Despite dominating possession with 58%, Chelsea managed just two shots on target throughout the match. This statistic highlights their ongoing struggle in the final third. Without a clear attacking strategy or a reliable goal scorer, the Blues lacked creativity and urgency when chasing the game. The absence of Jackson compounded their woes, as they failed to find any rhythm in their attacking transitions.
