Kaoru Mitoma struck the winner as Brighton came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at home on Saturday, securing their place in the FA Cup fifth round.
The visitors took an early lead when Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen gifted Chelsea a goal in the 5th minute, spilling a cross from Cole Palmer into his own net under no pressure.
However, Brighton responded swiftly, with Georginio Rutter equalizing in the 12th minute.
The French forward met Joël Veltman’s cross with a glancing header that found the back of the net.
Chelsea had a chance to regain the lead before halftime through Palmer, but Brighton dominated the second half.
Mitoma sealed the victory in the 57th minute, coolly flicking the ball over Robert Sánchez after a slight controversy over a potential handball in the buildup.
Chelsea’s Struggles Continue
The defeat extends Chelsea’s winless run away from home since early December, leaving the UEFA Conference League as their only realistic chance for silverware under Enzo Maresca.
Meanwhile, Brighton, managed by Fabian Hürzeler, bounced back impressively from their 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last week.
Lamptey: “We Showed Our Fighting Spirit”
Brighton winger Tariq Lamptey praised the team’s resilience:
“It’s good that everyone rallied around and showed their fighting spirit. We showed that we are together and we turned it around.”
Brighton will now look forward to the FA Cup fifth round draw, while Chelsea will need to regroup to improve their league form.
