Brighton 1-1 Chelsea: 5 Talking Points as Blues fail to win yet again | Premier League 2021-22
Brighton held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at the American Express Community Stadium on Tuesday.
The visitors started the game on a positive note, but Brighton soon asserted their control on proceedings. Danny Welbeck led the charge for his team, engaging well with the Blues' backline.
However, much against the run of play, Hakim Ziyech smacked put Chelsea in the lead. The Moroccan international drove past Robert Sanchez from outside the box after receiving the ball from N'Golo Kante to break the deadlock.
The Seagulls came roaring out in the second half, and rattled the visitors with their energy and determination. Their efforts bore fruit, as they bagged their equaliser in the 60th minute, with Adam Webster heading in following a delicious cross from Mac Allister.
Both teams searched for the winner, but had to be content with a share of the spoils.
It ends honours even. ⏱
#BhaChe https://t.co/nYZ2tL3jop
With the draw, Tuchel's men remain third in the standings, but are now 12 points behind league leaders Manchester City, who have a game in hand. The Blues have now won just once in their last five games. Meanwhile, Brighton remain in ninth place.
On that note, here's a look at five talking points from the game:
#5 Chelsea fail to deliver up front
The Blues did not enjoy the best of nights in front of goal. The Londoners looked sluggish, and lacked creativity higher up the pitch. Despite having the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount, their expected goals was just 0.62.
Chelsea had no fluidity in the final third, and struggled for ideas up front. Apart from Ziyech's goal, Thomas Tuchel's men hardly looked threatening. Moreover, the disconnect between Ziyech and Lukaku was quite evident, and has started hurting the team. The chemistry between the two was a complete miss.
#4 Graham Potter's Brighton continue to impress
Graham Potter has transformed the Brighton squad into a well-knit team, and their results speak for themselves. The 46-year-old is doing an outstanding job at Brighton, who are quite balanced, and their transitions are a joy to watch.
Brighton are now unbeaten in their last five games in the league and six in all competitions. They have also denied the Blues a win twice during this period. Potter has helped his team amass 29 points after 21 games in the Premier League.
Brighton are now unbeaten in each of their last three #PL matches against sides starting the day in the top three, having lost 17 of their previous 22 such matches 💪
#BHACHE | @OfficialBHAFC https://t.co/J128Yja48v
Moreover, his team have lost just four games in the league so far. Only the top three teams Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have lost fewer games than Brighton this term.