Will Simpson, writing with ISNTV
Brighton kept their hopes of silverware alive after a 2-1 comeback win knocked Chelsea out of the FA Cup.
Bart Verbruggen’s goalkeeping howler had given Chelsea the lead within five minutes, but his blushes were spared thanks to goals from Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma, giving Brighton their sixth Fourth Round win in seven years.
Chelsea were gifted the lead thanks to a terrible Verbruggen mistake. Cole Palmer’s tame cross following a corner bobbled at the Belgian, yet he fumbled the ball into his own net.
However, Brighton were the better side following the Belgian’s blunder. Seven minutes later, Rutter headed home unmarked from Joel Veltman’s cross to level.
Veltman’s first-half yellow card, the third booking before the half hour mark, added fuel to an already fiery game. The Dutchman had fouled former teammate Marc Cucurella, who alongside Robert Sanchez and Moises Caicedo were heartily booed throughout by the Amex faithful.
Fabian Hurzeler’s decision to start Rutter and bench Joao Pedro was further rewarded when the Frenchman set up Mitoma for Brighton’s second, lifting his finish over ex-teammate Robert Sanchez.
Questions must be asked on Chelsea’s striker situation. Despite their £1 billion spending since the Boehly-Clearlake consortium took charge in 2022, only Christopher Nkunku was available to play as striker, yet he didn’t manage a shot.
Joao Felix could have been a useful substitute, but was loaned to AC Milan on deadline day.
The Blues will have their chance at revenge as both sides meet at the same time and place on Friday.
