Chelsea endured another humiliating night as they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against Brighton, with Jadon Sancho and Marc Cucurella facing harsh criticism for their defensive lapses. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher did not hold back in his assessment, singling out the duo for their roles in the build-up to Brighton’s third goal. Their lack of defensive awareness further exposed Chelsea’s frailties, adding to the growing concerns about their form.
This loss came just days after Brighton had already eliminated Chelsea from the FA Cup, making it their second victory over the London club within a week. Chelsea’s struggles continued under manager Enzo Maresca, who had initially opted to leave Sancho out of the starting lineup following an underwhelming display in previous matches. However, an unfortunate injury to Noni Madueke in the early stages of the game forced Maresca to bring the Manchester United loanee onto the pitch. Despite the opportunity to redeem himself, Sancho failed to make a meaningful impact and was once again criticized for his lack of defensive contribution.
Brighton took control of the match in the 27th minute when Kaoru Mitoma produced a brilliant finish to give his side the lead. Chelsea’s defense found themselves constantly on the back foot as Brighton’s attackers exploited gaps and exposed their vulnerabilities. Yankuba Minteh, in particular, proved to be a nightmare for Chelsea’s backline, scoring twice with assistance from Danny Welbeck. The young winger’s pace and sharp movement proved too much for Chelsea’s disorganized defense to handle.
While Brighton’s attacking efficiency was commendable, it was Chelsea’s defensive shortcomings that dominated post-match discussions. Sancho’s positioning was a major talking point, with Carragher openly expressing his disbelief at the England international’s lack of awareness and effort in tracking back. Similarly, Cucurella came under fire for his inability to stand firm defensively, further contributing to Chelsea’s downfall.
The defeat raises serious questions about Chelsea’s defensive discipline and overall resilience. Despite boasting a squad filled with talented players, the team continues to struggle with consistency and tactical organization. Maresca now faces mounting pressure to address these persistent issues and get his side back on track.
For Brighton, the victory was yet another statement performance, highlighting their growing strength under Roberto De Zerbi. Their ability to dominate Chelsea in successive matches speaks volumes about their tactical discipline and attacking prowess. Meanwhile, Chelsea will have to regroup quickly and find solutions to their ongoing defensive woes if they hope to salvage their season.
