Brighton produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat 10-man Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, piling more misery on the Blues and continuing their frustrating run of inconsistent results. Danny Welbeck was the hero of the evening, scoring twice in the final stages to inspire a dramatic turnaround after Chelsea had initially looked in control. The Seagulls’ relentless pressure and numerical advantage eventually overwhelmed Enzo Maresca’s side, who crumbled defensively once reduced to 10 men.
The match started positively for Chelsea, who seemed eager to bounce back from their defeat at Old Trafford the previous weekend. Enzo Fernandez’s well-taken strike gave the Blues the lead midway through the first half, lifting the home crowd and hinting at a more comfortable outing. However, the atmosphere soured in the second period when Trevoh Chalobah’s red card left the hosts a man down, shifting the momentum firmly in Brighton’s favour. From that point, the visitors took full control and ruthlessly punished Chelsea’s frailties.
Chelsea undone by red card
The turning point came shortly after halftime when Trevoh Chalobah was adjudged to have denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The referee wasted no time in brandishing a red card, leaving Chelsea to once again play with 10 men for the second consecutive Premier League fixture. The dismissal not only disrupted their defensive organisation but also forced Maresca into a reshuffle, sacrificing attacking options to try and preserve the lead.
Although Chelsea initially managed to hold firm, Brighton began to dominate possession, forcing the hosts deeper into their own half. The Blues’ midfield lost its earlier composure, and their attack became increasingly isolated, with Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer struggling to get meaningful touches. The pressure mounted, and it soon became clear that Chelsea’s slim lead would be difficult to protect for the remainder of the contest.
Welbeck inspires Brighton’s comeback
Brighton’s persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Danny Welbeck capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home the equaliser. The goal shifted the energy in the stadium, with Chelsea’s fans growing anxious and the Seagulls smelling blood. Just a few minutes later, the visitors struck again. Maxim De Cuyper rose highest from a pinpoint cross to head beyond Robert Sánchez, completing the turnaround and stunning the home supporters into silence.
Welbeck, who had been a constant thorn in Chelsea’s defence throughout the match, wasn’t finished. As the game entered its closing stages, he sealed the victory with a composed finish, grabbing his second of the evening. His brace not only ensured all three points for Brighton but also highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to fight back even after conceding early. The Seagulls celebrated wildly at full-time, fully deserving their win after dominating the latter stages of the match.
Blues slump continues
For Chelsea, the defeat marked back-to-back losses in the Premier League, following last week’s narrow 2-1 setback at Old Trafford against Manchester United. The result will heap pressure on Maresca, whose side has now shown worrying signs of defensive fragility and a lack of discipline in key moments. Chalobah’s red card was the latest in a series of costly errors, and the Blues’ inability to manage games when under pressure remains a major concern.
The Stamford Bridge faithful left frustrated, aware that their side had once again let a lead slip away. With a crucial Champions League clash against Benfica looming on Tuesday, Chelsea must quickly regroup and rediscover their composure if they hope to avoid further setbacks. For Brighton, however, this victory will be remembered as another landmark result in their growing reputation as a fearless and competitive Premier League side, capable of toppling traditional giants on their own turf.
As the dust settles, one truth remains clear: Brighton’s fight and Welbeck’s brilliance proved too much for Chelsea, whose season is threatening to unravel unless they can quickly correct their recurring mistakes.