Chelsea put on a remarkable performance on Sunday, defeating Brighton 3-2 in an action-packed match at Stamford Bridge.
The win has lifted them back into the top half of the Premier League table.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side managed to score two goals in the first half, thanks to Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill’s headers.
Brighton, who were already struggling defensively without suspended skipper Lewis Dunk, found it hard to keep up with Chelsea’s tenacity.
However, Facundo Buonanotte managed to score a fantastic goal, bringing Brighton back into the game.
Things got worse for Chelsea when Conor Gallagher, who had received a second yellow card after committing multiple fouls, was sent off.
This meant that the Blues had to work hard to maintain their lead.
It was the second time in two games that Chelsea’s captain had been sent off.
Reece James had received a red card in the previous game against Newcastle.
However, unlike their previous game, Chelsea managed to keep their composure and restore their two-goal advantage from the penalty spot just after the hour mark.
Mykhailo Mudryk was fouled in the box, leading to a penalty.
Fernandez scored the penalty with ease, giving Chelsea a comfortable lead.
However, a flicked-in goal from Joao Pedro in the 92nd minute gave Brighton a glimmer of hope, setting up a grandstand finish.
The travelling supporters thought they had equalized in the 100th minute, but the VAR review showed that the ball had hit Colwill’s head and not his arm.
The match was particularly satisfying for former Seagulls goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who had to endure a second-half barrage from the Brighton fans behind him after almost making a costly mistake in the first half.
After full-time, he appeared to be involved in a confrontation with the opposite number Jason Steele and Dunk, who had come onto the pitch.
Chelsea’s win sees them move up to 10th in the table, above Brentford on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Brighton may feel frustrated by the penalty call and aggrieved that their former midfielder Moises Caicedo didn’t receive a second yellow card of his own.
The team has now failed to win four out of the five games that have followed a Europa League match.
Chelsea’s next two games are both away and will be a tough test.
They’re set to play Manchester United on Wednesday before travelling to Everton on Sunday.
Brighton will face Brentford next on Wednesday before hosting Burnley on Saturday.
