Chelsea started fast at Stamford Bridge but fell apart after a red card, as Brighton & Hove Albion came from behind to snatch a 3-1 Premier League victory on Saturday.
The Blues looked sharp in the opening stages. Enzo Fernández and Reece James both tested Brighton’s keeper with free kicks, while 17-year-old Estêvão threatened before being denied by Jean Paul van Hecke’s strong defending. Chelsea’s pressure finally paid off midway through the first half when Enzo headed home a James cross for his third goal of the season.
But the momentum shifted after the break. Just minutes into the second half, Andrey Santos lost possession and Trevoh Chalobah’s recovery challenge was judged a denial of a clear scoring chance after VAR review. The red card left Chelsea with 10 men for the final 35 minutes.
Brighton quickly made the advantage count. Danny Welbeck, who has a habit of scoring against Chelsea, equalized with 20 minutes left. The Seagulls then piled on the pressure, striking twice in stoppage time — including a second from Welbeck — to seal a dramatic win.
For Chelsea, it was another frustrating afternoon filled with costly mistakes. The defeat leaves them with just six points from their first six matches of the season.
Next up: a Champions League clash against José Mourinho’s Benfica at the Bridge on Tuesday night.
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