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Frank Lampard’s second return as Chelsea boss is not going according to plan after his side suffered another Premier League defeat against Brighton.
Chelsea’s misery continued after they suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat in their Premier League clash against Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues were hoping to end their run of four games without a win, including a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid last Wednesday.
However, they were second best against a Brighton side, who fully deserved the three points.
How it happened
Chelsea came into the game on the back of four straight defeats in all competitions, and it showed as Brighton started on the attack.
The Seagulls, who are punching above their weights this season, put pressure on Chelsea’s defence as early as the third minute through the dangerous Kaoru Mitoma.
The Japanese winger did well to get past Trevor Chalobah on the wing before setting up World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.
However, the Argentine midfielder’s effort was just wide off the post. Mitoma continued to cause trouble for Chelsea’s defence, setting up Mac Allister once again after another brilliant run.
But the Argentine once again could not find the target from close range. Frank Lampard’s men could not get a hold of the game but they would make Brighton pay for the missed chances as they took the lead against the run of play.
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05:43 - 13.04.2023
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The Blues took the lead in the 13th minute through Connor Gallagher, whose deflected shot from outside the box flew past Robert Sanchez in Brighton’s goal.
The goal was Chelsea’s first in five games, but it was the Seagulls that continued to dictate the play.
Roberto de Zerbi’s men responded well to conceding first, with Mitoma showing his effective dribbling skills before forcing a save out of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arizzabalaga.
The chances kept coming for Brighton as Evan Ferguson forced Kepa to another with a brilliant header.
Unfortunately, the Irish youngster picked up an injury in the process, going off for former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck.
It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the away side as Welbeck headed Brighton level three minutes before the break.
Chelsea almost retook the lead immediately, though, as Pulisic headed a Ben Chilwell cross against the post. But despite the danger, the Blues were relieved to go into the break with scores tied.
Julio Enisco gives Brighton a deserved victory
The second half started the same way the first ended, with Chelsea struggling to cope with Brighton’s attacking play.
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08:09 - 13.04.2023
ANALYSIS Chelsea lost to Frank Lampard's tactical ineptitude, not Real Madrid
Frank Lampard's inability to understand and interpret tactics was evident in Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid.
Mitoma was once again the usual suspect, causing trouble for the Blues' defence. Welbeck also came close, but again, Kepa was equal to the task.
However, it was only a matter of time before Brighton took the lead, and they did that in stunning style.
De Zerbi’s men took the lead in the 69th minute through a stunning finish from Julio Enisco, who came on in the first half for the injured Joel Veltman.
It was the least Brighton deserved, having dominated Chelsea throughout the game. The Blues did try to find an equaliser, but they never came close to scoring despite their best efforts.
The result means Chelsea have now lost their last five games while Brighton moved one point behind Aston Villa in sixth place, having played two games less.
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