Chelsea clinched a crucial 2-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday evening, with Cole Palmer netting his 22nd goal of the Premier League campaign.
However, the match was marred by controversy as Reece James received a contentious red card towards the end, leaving Chelsea frustrated, especially considering Tariq Lamptey escaped punishment earlier in the game. Currently occupying the sixth position in the standings, the Blues have a firm grip on the last Europa League qualification spot.
Chelsea ascended to sixth place in the Premier League standings following a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Brighton and Hove Albion. Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku scored the crucial goals for the 10-man Blues, allowing them to surpass Newcastle United and secure a spot in the European qualification positions with just one match left to play.
Chelsea’s penalty claim in the 16th minute was denied by referee Michael Salisbury after a VAR review when Cucurella went down under Buonanotte’s challenge. Palmer scored for the visitors in the 34th minute from Cucurella’s low cross.
Nkunku doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 64th minute. Despite James being sent off, Chelsea held on for the win. Welbeck scored for the hosts in stoppage time, but they couldn’t find the equalizer.
Chelsea’s strong end to the season persists, as they secure a fourth consecutive victory to climb into the top six following Newcastle’s loss to Manchester United. A draw against Bournemouth at home this Sunday would guarantee European football at Stamford Bridge next season, with the possibility of overtaking Spurs for fifth place.
However, they faced some challenges towards the end due to James’ red card. The English defender is the fourth Chelsea substitute to be sent off in the Premier League, joining David Lee, Michael Essien, and Juliano Belletti.
Despite playing only 422 minutes, James has received the most red cards in the division this season. On the other hand, Brighton, currently in 10th place, have won just one of their last nine matches and will need to defeat Manchester United on the final day to secure a top-half finish.