Chelsea climbed to sixth place in the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion, with goals from Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku helping them secure a vital three points. Despite being reduced to 10 men due to Reece James’ red card for violent conduct, Chelsea held on for the win, although Danny Welbeck scored a late goal for Brighton to set up a tense finish. The victory saw Chelsea leapfrog Newcastle United and move into the European qualification spots with one game remaining in the season.
Chelsea thought they had a penalty early in the match, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review. However, they soon took the lead through Cole Palmer, who scored his ninth goal of the season with a looping header. Christopher Nkunku doubled Chelsea’s lead in the second half, turning in Malo Gusto’s cross to put the Blues in a comfortable position. Despite James’ red card and Welbeck’s late goal for Brighton, Chelsea managed to hold on for the win, further solidifying their position in the European places.
The win was Chelsea’s fourth straight victory, and they now have a chance to secure European football for next season by earning a point against Bournemouth in their final match. They also have an opportunity to overtake Spurs for fifth place, as they trail them by three points but have a superior goal difference. Cole Palmer was named the Player of the Match for his performance, which included scoring his 22nd goal of the season and registering the most shots, crosses, and passes in the final third for Chelsea.
Brighton, on the other hand, have struggled in recent matches, winning just one of their last nine games. They will need to beat Manchester United in their final match to secure a top-half finish in the Premier League. Despite their strong attacking efforts, including several close chances and a late goal from Danny Welbeck, they were unable to find the equalizer against Chelsea. The match also saw Reece James becoming the fourth Chelsea substitute to be sent off in the Premier League this season.
Key stats from the match included Brighton’s missed opportunities, with Pascal Gross notably failing to convert a clear chance from close range. Cole Palmer’s goal marked his ninth opening goal of the season, equaling a club record alongside Gianfranco Zola, Didier Drogba, and Eden Hazard. His impressive performance contributed to Chelsea’s victory, as they continue their strong finish to the season. Overall, the match highlighted Chelsea’s resilience in holding on for a crucial win and climbing into the European places in the Premier League table.
