Will Simpson, writing with ISNTV
Kaoru Mitoma’s wonder goal and a Yankuba Minteh brace saw Brighton condemn Chelsea to consecutive Amex defeats in a dominant 3-0 Premier League win.
Minteh’s close-range finishes either side of half-time after Mitoma’s composed opening goal further dented Chelsea’s Champions League ambitions, who have now failed to win away in all competitions in over two months.
Brighton moved up to eighth with their win, whilst Chelsea could fall to sixth after this weekend’s fixtures.
Mitoma’s goal within half an hour was one of quality. The Japanese international took a brilliant cushioned touch from Bart Verbruggen’s long ball, beat Trevor Chalobah with another deft touch, and slotted his finish.
Despite Brighton taking the lead, Chelsea had started the game brightly. Cole Palmer was chosen to play the false nine role, but flashed both his shots wide from promising central positions.
Enzo Fernandez thought he had headed Chelsea level, but the referee blew up for the Argentinian’s push on Joel Veltman on his ascent.
Just two minutes later, Brighton doubled their lead. Georginio Rutter drove and squared the ball, which eventually fell to Minteh, who finished past a grounded Filip Jorgensen.
Minteh added more misery to the Blues in the second-half, scoring his second of the evening. The Gambian played a one-two with Danny Welbeck and cut inside before his shot deflected in.
Chelsea failed to create any major chances in the second-half, despite dominating possession. The Blues have only scored two goals in their last five league away matches.