Brighton end their home winless streak with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Chelsea, as Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter inspire a comeback.
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Brighton 2-1 Chelsea: Mitoma and Rutter Inspire Stunning Comeback
Brighton & Hove Albion delivered a spirited performance to secure a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round, marking their first home win since November. After a disastrous 7-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest, Brighton fans feared another disappointing outing. However, a night of redemption saw Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter lead a comeback win, exposing Chelsea’s ongoing struggles away from home.
Despite an early setback due to a goalkeeping blunder from Bart Verbruggen, Brighton dominated proceedings, securing a well-deserved victory that puts them back on track.
🔹 Chelsea Strike First: Verbruggen’s Costly Error
Chelsea took the lead within five minutes, courtesy of a mistake from Brighton’s goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
- Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s standout performer in recent weeks, delivered a volleyed cross into the box.
- Verbruggen mishandled the ball, allowing it to slip through his grasp and into the net.
- A stunned Brighton crowd watched as Chelsea took an unexpected 1-0 advantage.
The error left Brighton with a mountain to climb, but their response was swift.
🔹 Brighton’s Quick Response: Rutter Levels the Score
Brighton refused to be disheartened and found an equalizer just six minutes later:
- Joel Veltman delivered a pinpoint cross into the box.
- Georginio Rutter, Brighton’s record signing, executed a precise header into the bottom corner.
- The Amex Stadium erupted as Brighton drew level at 1-1.
The momentum shifted in Brighton’s favor, with the hosts pressing high and controlling possession.
🔹 Second-Half Dominance: Mitoma’s Match-Winning Moment
Brighton came out strong in the second half, piling relentless pressure on Chelsea’s defense. Their persistence paid off when Kaoru Mitoma stepped up to score the winning goal:
- Carlos Baleba, back from injury, showcased his skill by turning past his marker and releasing Yankuba Minteh down the right.
- Tariq Lamptey’s shot was blocked, but Rutter displayed brilliant improvisation to keep the move alive.
- Mitoma controlled the ball with his chest before flicking it over Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez into the net.
His goal not only sealed Brighton’s first home win in three months but also highlighted Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities.
🔹 Chelsea’s Struggles Continue: Away Form a Major Concern
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca admitted his side lacked the ability to close out tight games:
“For sure, we need to learn how to win games 1-0. It’s a shame, but if there is a positive, it’s that we can now focus on the Premier League and Conference League.”
Chelsea have now gone five consecutive away matches without a win, raising serious concerns about their form.
Key Chelsea Takeaways:
✅ Christopher Nkunku struggled to make an impact in attack.
✅ Enzo Fernández’s introduction had little effect on the game.
✅ Moisés Caicedo and Marc Cucurella were booed throughout due to their past Brighton connections.
Chelsea’s inability to break down Brighton’s defense in the final stages further exposed their lack of attacking fluidity.
🔹 Brighton’s Redemption: Hürzeler’s Tactical Brilliance
Brighton’s manager Fabian Hürzeler faced pressure after the humiliating defeat at Nottingham Forest, but his side showed resilience:
- Carlos Baleba’s return bolstered midfield control.
- Brighton’s pressing and attacking movement unsettled Chelsea.
- Rutter and Mitoma stepped up as attacking leaders.
Hürzeler praised his squad’s mentality and character after the match:
“It was just what the doctor ordered. We’ve had a tough week, but the guys showed real character to come back after that start. It’s important to stay calm and not overreact when things don’t go your way.”
🔹 What’s Next for Both Teams?
Brighton:
✅ This win boosts their confidence ahead of crucial Premier League fixtures.
✅ Mitoma’s form could attract further transfer interest, with Al-Nassr previously bidding £61m.
✅ Can they build on this momentum to push for European spots?
Chelsea:
❌ Their away struggles continue, highlighting tactical and mental weaknesses.
❌ Maresca must find solutions before their Premier League and Conference League campaigns resume.
❌ With injuries piling up, will Chelsea seek reinforcements in the transfer market?
Final Thoughts: Brighton Triumph, Chelsea Falter Again
Brighton delivered a statement performance, proving their resilience after last week’s humiliation. Mitoma’s magic and Rutter’s influence ensured Chelsea left empty-handed, deepening their away-day woes.
💬 What do you think? Will Brighton build on this victory? Can Chelsea recover from their struggles? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
🔴 Stay tuned for more match reports, analysis, and breaking football news.
