Brighton delivered a tactical masterclass as they dismantled Chelsea 3-0, outplaying Enzo Maresca’s side in every department. Under the astute leadership of Fabian Hürzeler, Brighton showcased their ability to press high, maintain a compact defensive block, and transition seamlessly into attack.
Brighton’s Tactical Brilliance
Chelsea started brightly, successfully playing out from the back against Brighton’s man-oriented pressing and creating early chances. However, Brighton quickly adapted, shifting into a well-structured 5-4-1 defensive shape that neutralized Chelsea’s build-up play. Their ability to react to back passes and push up the field allowed them to control the tempo and force mistakes.
Goals and Key Moments
- Mitoma’s Magic (15′): The opening goal stemmed from a long ball by Verbruggen, expertly controlled by Mitoma in a manner reminiscent of Dennis Bergkamp. His composure and finishing set the tone for Brighton’s dominance.
- Chelsea’s Disallowed Equalizer (30′): Enzo Fernández thought he had equalized, only for VAR to rule it out for a foul, shifting momentum further in Brighton’s favor.
- Minteh’s Lucky Strike (32′): Moments later, Brighton capitalized on a deflected ball inside Chelsea’s box, doubling their lead and further frustrating the visitors.
- Clinching the Win (62′): Chelsea pushed high in search of a goal, but their lack of pressing intensity left them vulnerable. Brighton bypassed the press with ease, allowing Minteh to seal the win with a composed finish.
A Statement Performance
This emphatic victory highlights Brighton’s tactical intelligence and organization under Hürzeler, while exposing Chelsea’s struggles under Maresca. Brighton’s ability to seamlessly switch between high pressing and compact defending proved decisive, reinforcing their credentials as one of the Premier League’s most well-drilled teams.
