Chelsea 4-2 Brighton: Key Takeaways for the Blues in Victory
By Abdul Abdullahi
Blues’ attack eating defenses for supper
Brighton gaffer Fabian Hürzeler is a brave man for trying to play his brand of expansive football against a squad that thrives on quick breaks. However, that bravery most definitely cost him points and led to a horrific defensive showing. It certainly helps when an opposing manager shoots himself in the foot, which is essentially what the 31-year-old head coach did by playing one of the most reckless high defensive lines—eerily similar to how Ange Postecoglou set up his Tottenham side when they were down to nine men against former CFC boss Mauricio Pochettino last November. Hürzeler clearly sticks to his principles, even when they seem destined for disaster.
There will be talk of a wild game and a chaotic half-hour, but the real madness was repeating the same failed approach and expecting a different outcome. Brighton’s defensive line was so high in the first half, it made you wonder why Hürzeler didn’t change his approach early on when the game was salvageable.
Once Chelsea figured this out midway through the first half, Brighton were finished. The rest of the game became an experiment in how many times Nicolas Jackson could beat Dunk in a footrace from the halfway line. By full time, that chaotic period reflected where both teams are in their development. While Hürzeler might have learned a tough lesson, Chelsea are starting to look more settled, perhaps even sensible.
Chelsea’s attack was electric, showing a level of dynamism and balance that’s hard to come by. Palmer, Madueke, Sancho, and Jackson were relentless, constantly pulling Brighton apart with their movement and pace. Palmer was the standout, but the chemistry among the front four was something special—sharp, fluid, and unpredictable. Every time they pressed forward, it felt like something dangerous was going to happen.
Sure, it’s a pricey lineup, but watching them click like that, you realize it’s money well spent. Palmer, in particular, is a real gem, adding a touch of class that ties everything together. This attack is only going to get better.