Another week, another humiliation for Chelsea. Enzo Maresca’s side delivered another dismal display as they slumped to a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion, marking back-to-back defeats to the Seagulls in six days—both at the Amex.
The FA Cup exit at Brighton’s hands last week should have served as a wake-up call. Instead, Chelsea hit the snooze button and delivered a performance devoid of urgency, quality, and fight. Now, they face the very real possibility of tumbling out of the Premier League’s top four, with Manchester City, Newcastle, and Bournemouth all breathing down their necks.
⚡ Brighton Humble Hapless Chelsea Once Again
After a bright opening few minutes, Chelsea’s evening quickly unraveled. Their woes were compounded when Noni Madueke was forced off after just 20 minutes with a hamstring injury, adding to Maresca’s growing injury nightmare.
From there, Brighton smelled blood—and they didn’t hesitate to feast.
🔹 (22’) Kaoru Mitoma’s Moment of Magic: A long ball from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen fell perfectly into the path of the Japanese winger, who brought it down with an exquisite first touch before coolly finishing past Filip Jorgensen.
🔹 (33’) Yankuba Minteh Doubles the Lead: After a chaotic sequence inside the Chelsea box, the 19-year-old capitalized on some Sunday-league defending to make it 2-0 before the half-time whistle.
🔹 (63’) Minteh Again – Game Over: Chelsea’s second-half response? More defensive calamities. Minteh took full advantage, slotting home his second and sealing a night to forget for the Blues.
It could have been even worse. Joao Pedro should have made it 4-0 after a Jorgensen error, but by then, Brighton’s dominance had already delivered the knockout punch.
🚨 Chelsea’s Attack: Toothless and Troubling
Without Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu—both sidelined until April—Chelsea’s attack was non-existent. The Blues failed to register a single clear-cut chance, offering little to no resistance against a Brighton side that conceded seven goals to Nottingham Forest just two weeks ago.
Where was the reaction? Where was the urgency? Instead of answering their critics, Chelsea handed them more ammunition.
📉 What’s Next for Chelsea?
If Maresca’s men thought Brighton was tough, they’re in for a rude awakening. Next up? Champions League-chasing Aston Villa at Villa Park. On current form, Chelsea are sleepwalking into another battering.
🔹 Can Maresca stop the bleeding before Chelsea’s season completely unravels?
🔹 Or are the Blues heading for yet another rebuild in the summer?
One thing’s for certain: Chelsea fans deserve much, much better.
