Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton and Hove Albion on New Year’s Day, after
The Blues took the lead inside ten minutes, when Tammy Abraham’s blocked shot fell to the feet of
Brighton were the better team in the second half, and deservedly equalised with just under ten minutes left to play, when substitute
Brighton
Key Talking Point
There’s only one moment we can really talk about here.
As the ball dropped from the sky, there was a moment where time stood still, and the whole world watched and waited.
Player Ratings
Starting XI:
Substitutes: Bernardo (7), Connolly (6),
STAR MAN – This guy is a real live-wire. Leandro Trossard struggled in the initial stages of the match – as did every Brighton player. But the change of shape really benefitted the Belgian winger, and he began to cause Chelsea’s defence all sorts of problems.
The 25-year-old drifted inside, threading cute balls through to his teammates or twisting and tormenting his marker at every given opportunity. Trossard forced an excellent save from Kepa in the first half, and he grew into the game as his team upped the ante.
Although he may not be the most consistent player in the Premier League, Trossard is certainly one of the most exciting on his day, and he epitomises the change in style which Brighton are attempting to perfect.
Chelsea
Key Talking Point
Chelsea’s superb away form has been much-talked about of late, but the Blues struggled in their 1-1 draw with Brighton. Lampard initially set his side up expertly, and their pressing game was nothing short of extraordinary. The hosts couldn’t get out of their own half for large periods, and the Seagulls were forced into making some horrendous individual errors at the back by their rampant visitors.
But when opposing manager Potter re-jigged his Brighton side, Lampard had very little to offer and the Seagulls grew throughout the match to pick up a superb point. The Chelsea boss will ask questions of his team after this result, having seemed incapable of reacting to the switches made, and their naivety shone through again.
Youthful, but chaotic at times.
Player Ratings
Starting XI:
Substitutes: Hudson-Odoi (7), Kovacic (5).
STAR MAN – Chelsea have an absolute gem in Reece James. The young full-back has impressed his manager so much that he has forced
James bombed up and down the right flank, providing an excellent overlapping outlet for Willian, and he produced some excellent crosses which wreaked havoc in the Brighton defence. The 20-year-old did not shirk his defensive responsibilities either, putting in a determined and physical display, but he was unable to help his side gain an all-important clean sheet.
A tough draw to take for the youngster.
Looking Ahead
Brighton follow up their tough contest against Chelsea with a home tie in the third round of the FA Cup against Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsea continue their travels with a visit to Championship heavyweights Nottingham Forest on Saturday, as Lampard’s men look to progress in the prestigious FA Cup.
Let’