Ten-Man Chelsea secure hard-fought victory against Brighton, thanks to Enzo Fernández brace

In a tumultuous clash at Stamford Bridge, ten-man Chelsea managed to hold on for a 3-2 victory over Brighton, with Enzo Fernández scoring twice. The game, initially in Chelsea’s control, turned chaotic, culminating in a late penalty controversy that contributed to the high-intensity drama.

Captain Conor Gallagher’s first-half red card left Chelsea with 10 men, setting the stage for a challenging encounter. Mauricio Pochettino, described as a “university professor” in jest, found himself in the midst of a tense game that saw tempers flare on both sides. Despite the disciplinary struggles, Chelsea displayed resilience and determination, attributes praised by Pochettino.

Chelsea took the lead with Fernández’s header, capitalizing on Brighton’s defensive vulnerability. The Blues doubled their advantage when Levi Colwill forced the ball into the net. However, Brighton responded with a sublime goal from Facundo Buonanotte, cutting Chelsea’s lead in half.

Gallagher’s red card complicated matters for Chelsea, as they faced the challenge of defending with 10 men. The game took a controversial turn when Fernández scored from the penalty spot following a VAR intervention, infuriating Brighton. The drama continued with late penalty appeals, with replays showing that Colwill was hit in the face, not handball.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi acknowledged his team’s defensive lapses but refrained from criticizing the referees. Despite João Pedro’s late goal for Brighton, Chelsea held on for the win, showcasing resilience and determination amid challenging circumstances.