Premier League: Chelsea Secure Top Six Position For Europa Slot With Win Against Brighton

Chelsea held on to claim an important 2-1 victory against Brighton and Albion Hove despite playing 10-man in the closing minutes as the hosts became resilient. 

The Blues had led by two goal before losing James Reece who replaced Malo Gusto to a red card offence for a rough tackle on Joao Pedro. Thereafter, pressure mounted on Chelsea for playing one-man down. 

Cole Palmer delivered the first goal from a glance header to Marc Cucurella's cross, and after halftime, Chriatopher Nkunku doubled the lead, darting into the front of the box, and blasted home Gusto's cross. 

Brighton later pulled one back in the stoppages as Danny Welbeck finished off Joao Pedro's cross. Though, the closing minutes was tensed Chelsea yet won the game. 

The victory further enhances Chelsea's chance of participating in the Europa League next season as they moved up to sixth with three points clear nearest teams, Newcastle United and Manchester United. 

Overview

With a penalty overruled and goal canceled, Chelsea had an impressive first half and should have had more goals except for the VAR. They played well that Brighton barely got a shot on target until Joao Pedro forced a save from Perrovic, trying to pull a stunner in the first half stoppages connecting his header to Adingra's cross. 

Chelsea remained good in the second half but had to play from counter attack as Brighton played deep into their halve. James Reece bagging a red card almost handed out a comeback to the Seagulls but Danny Welbeck's goal was not just enough. It was a crucial match for Chelsea and such they needed to qualify for European competition next season.