Chelsea lost 3-1 to Brighton despite leading through Enzo Fernández.
Chelsea looked comfortable in the first half, keeping almost 70 per cent of possession and creating several chances. Their breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Moisés Caicedo set Reece James free, and Enzo Fernández headed his cross in.
The Blues seemed well set for victory until errors crept in
The match swung midway through the second half. A misplaced pass from Andrey Santos forced Trevoh Chalobah into a desperate challenge on Diego Gomez. The referee showed him a red card for denying a clear goalscoring chance.
It was a moment that mirrored last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, where goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was sent off after only four minutes.
With Chelsea reduced to ten men, Brighton pressed forward. Danny Welbeck equalised in the 77th minute with a sharp finish after a quick team move.
As the game entered added time, Maxim De Cuyper was left free inside the box to head in Yasin Ayari’s cross. Moments later, Welbeck struck again, sealing a famous 3-1 victory for the visitors and leaving Stamford Bridge stunned.
Manager Enzo Maresca could not hide his anger after watching his side throw away control of the game.
“The message in the dressing room was clear. Against any team in the Premier League you cannot continue to give away presents,” he said. “The red card is a big mistake because the game completely changed.”
Maresca added that Chelsea effectively played “two games” — one before the red card and one after. He admitted his side must cut out the costly errors if they are to compete at the top.
The defeat leaves Chelsea sitting eighth in the Premier League, drifting further from the leaders. Their next test will be against Liverpool at Anfield on 4 October, a match where discipline and focus will be crucial.
