Brighton respond to Forest humiliation by dumping Chelsea out of FA cup

Brighton and Hove Albion's Kaoru Mitoma celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game. Pic: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire.

FA Cup: Brighton 2 Chelsea 1 

SEVEN days on, Brighton went some way to making amends for their Nottingham Forest humiliation. 

Fabian Hurzeler’s side delivered an impressive response after falling behind to claim a place in the FA Cup fifth round and inflict the latest setback on Chelsea who have now won just three of their last ten games.

Painful memories of the 7-0 defeat at the City Ground were revived when Albion keeper Bart Verbruggen diverted Cole Palmer’s cross into his own net in the fifth minute. This time, though, Brighton didn’t capitulate, fighting back to win with goals from Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma while Maresca was forced to contemplate another display that exposed his side’s limitations.

Chelsea’s much needed victory over West Ham on Monday initially appeared to have given them a lift. 

And they were handed an even bigger boost when Verbruggen’s mistake the visitors the lead. 

Albion were anxious to move on quickly from last week’s defeat and the last thing they - and Verbruggen, whose mistake led to Forest’s seventh goal at the City Ground - needed was to fall behind in such a manner.

With Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho and Palmer operating behind Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea were always likely to pose a danger on the counter-attack and Palmer drew a save from Verbruggen after an incisive break that exposed the Albion defence. Palmer’s short corner was worked across the pitch before being returned to the England international whose first time cross was directed straight at the keeper who somehow spilled the ball into his own net.

It was the worst possible start for Brighton but it was to their credit that they responded quickly, drawing level just seven minutes later after Hurzeler’s side demonstrated their own ability to unsettle their opponents. 

Chelsea appeared to have dealt with a positive move down the left but when play switched, Brighton right-back Joel Veltman had the time to deliver a cross towards Rutter whose glancing header beat Robert Sanchez at the far post.

Neither side was able to build on the dramatic opening although there was no shortage of commitment during a feisty first half. 

Palmer came closest to adding to the score when he headed on to the roof of the net after being set up by Nkunku following another break. It was Brighton, though, who appeared to exert the greater control on the game without creating many clear opportunities.

That changed at the start of the second half when both sides showed more urgency. 

Neto saw a goalbound shot blocked but it was the home side who developed more attacking momentum and forced the lead when Mitoma added his side’s second in the 57th minute.

The Japan international was involved in the start of the move, collecting Jack Hinshelwood's pass out wide before moving into the penalty area where was on hand to collect Rutter’s pass before lifting the ball over Sanchez.

Maresca rang the changes as he attempted to inject fresh life into his side but Brighton defended resolutely to hold on.

Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen 5; Veltman 7, Van Hecke 7, Dunk 6 (Webster 45,6), Lamptey 6; Baleba 7 (Ayari 74, 6), Hinshelwood 6 (Gomez 67, 6); Minteh 8, Rutter 7 (Pedro,74, 6), Mitoma 8; Welbeck 6 (O’Riley 88, 6).

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez 6; Gusto 6, Adarabioyo 6, Chalobah 7, Cucurella 6; Caicedo 7, Dewsbury-Hall 6 (Fernandez 57,6); Neto 7 (Madueke 74, 6), Palmer 6, Sancho 5 (George 74, 6); Nkunku 6.

Referee: Jarred Gillett 6