Brighton v Chelsea | Key Moments | Fourth Round | Emirates FA Cup 2024-25

Chelsea began the match with great energy, immediately looking to assert dominance over their opponents. Their early efforts were rewarded within the first five minutes, albeit in rather fortuitous circumstances. Cole Palmer, who has been instrumental in Chelsea’s attack this season, delivered what appeared to be a mishit cross into the Brighton penalty area. While it may not have been the most threatening of deliveries, it proved to be catastrophic for Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bert Verbruggen. In a moment of sheer misfortune—or lack of concentration—Verbruggen completely misjudged the flight of the ball and fumbled it into his own net. It was an absolute howler, one that gave Chelsea a dream start and left the home fans in stunned silence. Despite the somewhat lucky nature of the goal, Chelsea would have been pleased with their early breakthrough and hopeful that they could build on this advantage.

However, the joy was short-lived. Brighton, undeterred by their early setback, responded with urgency and quickly found a way back into the game. Just seven minutes after conceding, the hosts capitalized on some lackluster defending from Chelsea. Georginio Rutter, seizing the opportunity presented by defensive lapses, showcased his predatory instincts inside the box. Chelsea’s backline appeared disorganized, caught out of position, and unable to clear their lines effectively. Rutter made no mistake, clinically finishing past Djordje Petrovic to restore parity in the 12th minute. It was a frustrating goal for Chelsea to concede, not only because it came so soon after taking the lead but also because it highlighted their ongoing defensive frailties—an issue that has plagued them throughout the season.

Following this frantic opening exchange, the first half settled into a much more subdued rhythm. Neither side displayed a great deal of intensity or urgency, as the game drifted into a scrappy and uneventful period. Chelsea struggled to reassert control, their attacking play lacking fluidity and cohesion. Brighton, on the other hand, were content to maintain possession and probe patiently for openings without committing too many bodies forward. The lack of clear-cut chances meant that the match became something of a tactical chess match rather than an end-to-end spectacle. While both teams had moments of promise, neither truly seized the initiative before the break. The halftime whistle blew with the scoreline still level at 1-1, and both managers would have been contemplating the adjustments needed to swing the game in their favor.

As the second half commenced, Brighton emerged with renewed purpose and a greater sense of urgency. Their pressing was sharper, their passing more incisive, and they began to exert increasing pressure on Chelsea’s defense. This intensity eventually bore fruit, albeit under somewhat controversial circumstances. Chelsea once again found themselves the architects of their own downfall, as a series of defensive errors gifted Brighton the lead. First, an attempted clearance was misplaced, leading to unnecessary pressure in their own half. Then, in the midst of the ensuing chaos, Tariq Lamptey appeared to handle the ball—an infringement that went unnoticed by the referee and, much to Chelsea’s frustration, was not deemed worthy of VAR intervention. To compound matters, a further moment of calamity occurred when a Chelsea defender inadvertently passed the ball to a teammate who had already fallen to the ground, effectively surrendering possession in a dangerous area. Brighton seized upon this opportunity, and Kaoru Mitoma produced a wonderful finish to put his side ahead. It was a moment of sheer quality from the Japanese winger, who has been a consistent threat for Brighton throughout the season. His composure under pressure and clinical execution underscored his value to the team.

With Brighton now in the ascendancy, Chelsea found themselves chasing the game. However, despite their best efforts, they struggled to mount any meaningful response. Their attacking play lacked penetration, and their build-up was often slow and predictable. Brighton, by contrast, remained disciplined and organized at the back, comfortably absorbing Chelsea’s sporadic forward forays. Even as the clock ticked down, Chelsea failed to truly test Verbruggen in goal, a testament to Brighton’s defensive solidity and Chelsea’s offensive inefficiency. The visitors appeared bereft of ideas, their attacking players isolated and unable to link up effectively in the final third. It became increasingly evident that Brighton were in control, managing the game with maturity and professionalism.

As the final whistle blew, Chelsea were left to reflect on another frustrating defeat. Despite taking an early lead, they had once again fallen victim to their own defensive shortcomings and lack of cutting edge in attack. The loss marked just the third time in the last 28 attempts that Chelsea had been eliminated at the fourth-round stage of the FA Cup—an unwanted statistic that underscored their struggles in recent seasons. For Brighton, it was a well-earned victory, one that demonstrated their growing confidence and ability to compete against top-tier opposition. Their performance was a testament to the progress they have made under their current management, as they continue to establish themselves as a formidable force in English football.

For Chelsea, the immediate focus must now shift to their upcoming league fixture—ironically, another encounter against Brighton, this time away from home on Friday night. Given their recent struggles, this match presents an opportunity for redemption. However, if they are to emerge victorious, they will need to address the issues that plagued them in this FA Cup tie. Defensive discipline must improve, and their attacking play must become more dynamic and unpredictable. The pressure is mounting on Chelsea to deliver a response, and their performance in the upcoming fixture will be a true test of their resilience and character.

As for the official record, it appears that Cole Palmer’s early goal has been officially recorded as an own goal, despite the fact that his cross-shot was on target. While this may be a minor footnote in the grand scheme of things, it is emblematic of Chelsea’s misfortune on the night. Small margins can make a big difference in football, and on this occasion, those margins did not favor the Blues.

Carefree? Perhaps not so much on this occasion. Chelsea will need to regroup, refocus, and find a way to bounce back quickly if they are to turn their fortunes around in the coming weeks.