The Amex Stadium witnessed a thrilling encounter as Brighton clinched a 2-0 victory over Chelsea, successfully advancing to the fifth round of the FA Cup. The match on February 8, 2025, was a masterclass for the Seagulls, who displayed not just attacking talent but also defensive stability. This win added to Chelsea's woes, as they continue grappling with form issues.
Match Recap
The game kicked off with Brighton exerting pressure right from the start. Their quick transitions exploited the spaces in Chelsea’s defense. Georginio Rutter, the key player of the night, masterminded Brighton’s attacking plays with finesse, repeatedly breaching the Blues’ defenses. Despite Chelsea lining up a strong squad, their lack of ball control and failure to create clear-cut chances became evident early on.
Key Moments of the Match:
- 21st Minute: Davy Pröpper opened the scoring for Brighton after capitalizing on a wayward Chelsea pass in midfield. His low strike from 20 yards left goalkeeper Robert Sánchez scrambling, marking a decisive moment in the game.
- 58th Minute: An error by Chelsea’s Trevor Chalobah paved the way for Brighton’s second goal. Rutter seized the opportunity, deftly maneuvering through to slot the ball past Sánchez, marking his first FA Cup goal of the season.
Rutter’s display was a blend of creativity and endurance, as he recorded five key passes and came out on top in six duels. Meanwhile, Chelsea's Cole Palmer showed moments of skill, but was largely unsupported in an uncoordinated offensive lineup.
Tactical Breakdown
Brighton's manager, Roberto De Zerbi, wisely implemented a high-press tactic that suffocated Chelsea’s attempts to build plays from the back. Conversely, Chelsea, under interim coach Enzo Maresca, adopted a 3-4-3 formation which failed to rectify their defensive slackness. The wide areas, in particular, were problematic for the Blues, leading to crucial mistakes in the match.
After the match, reactions were clear with De Zerbi praising his team’s comprehensive performance, while Maresca acknowledged a failure to stick to their game strategy. With this defeat, Chelsea now faces the challenge of breaking a five-game winless streak against Brighton. This performance also marked Chelsea’s first cup exit under Maresca’s tenure, and with Brighton’s continued upper hand in their encounters, the pressure mounts on the Blues.
As Brighton awaits the upcoming fifth-round draw, scheduled for February 10, Chelsea looks ahead to their next Premier League clash against the Seagulls on February 14, hoping to reverse their recent fortunes.
February 9 2025 0
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