Brighton Triumphs over Chelsea 2-1 in Exciting FA Cup Fourth Round Clash
Brighton Seals an Impressive Win Over Chelsea
The Amex Stadium witnessed a thrilling FA Cup tie as Brighton & Hove Albion outclassed Chelsea with a 2-1 victory in the fourth round on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Broadcast live on ITV, fans were treated to a roller-coaster game, with Brighton overturning an initial deficit to book their place in the next stage of the competition.
Chelsea began brightly, capitalizing on a swift corner-kick maneuver to score. Cole Palmer, displaying sharp instincts, tucked away the opener, putting Chelsea in front. Nevertheless, the home side responded with vigor. Joel Veltman set up Georginio Rutter, who brought Brighton level with a well-placed header midway through the first half.
In the second half, the atmosphere turned electric as Kaoru Mitoma delivered a moment of magic. Receiving a lofted ball from Rutter, Mitoma controlled it beautifully before firing a stunning strike that ultimately clinched Brighton's place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Player Highlights and Challenges
Brighton's defense was notably robust, with Jan Paul van Hecke earning a solid 7.2 out of 10 for his effective clearances and interceptions. Tariq Lamptey stood out on the pitch, praised for his defensive zeal, notching an impressive six tackles.
Conversely, Chelsea's backline faced criticism, particularly Robert Sanchez, who struggled in goal, conceding twice and receiving a modest 5.5 rating. Christopher Nkunku, although lively in the initial stages, seemed to fade, struggling to impact the game post-second half.
Chelsea’s woes deepened with ongoing injury issues. Manager Enzo Maresca had to make do without Marc Guiu, who is sidelined long-term, and doubts hovered over Nicolas Jackson's fitness. This saw Nkunku spearheading Chelsea's attack amid their injury challenges.
After the match, Maresca admitted to vulnerabilities within their defensive setup, citing an urgent need for improvements. Meanwhile, Brighton's manager Roberto De Zerbi lauded his players for their grit and strategic acumen, celebrating a significant win.
Brighton's victory echoed far beyond the stands, marking their progress to the fifth round and disrupting Chelsea’s recent ascendancy over them. While Chelsea's trophy drought lengthened, Brighton basked in the potential for further glory.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to confront each other again soon, in a Premier League rematch on February 14, 2025, also at the Amex Stadium. Fans will be eager to see if Chelsea can bounce back or if Brighton will continue their winning streak.