Discover how Minteh’s double powers led Brighton to a stunning 3-0 victory over Chelsea. Explore match highlights and player performances on our website.
Introduction:
Brighton & Hove Albion put on a masterful performance to demolish Chelsea 3-0 at the Amex Stadium on Friday, their second win over the Blues within a week. The victory, driven by Yankuba Minteh’s brace and an unbelievable goal by Kaoru Mitoma, keeps the Seagulls right in contention for European football next year while revealing the attacking vulnerabilities of Chelsea.
Maresca’s side, hampered by injuries and a lack of consistency, appeared unsorted for the majority of the match, and Brighton’s efficient finishing ultimately told. The win lifts Brighton into eighth position in the Premier League, and Chelsea stays in the top four for the time being but could find themselves falling down the rankings over the weekend.
Mitoma’s Moment of Magic Breaks the Deadlock
The early exchanges had Chelsea controlling the ball without having clear-cut chances. Their lack of cutting edge was brutally punished in the 27th minute when Brighton hit them in spectacular style. See also: Chelsea’s Super Subs Shine in 2-1

Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen played a long ball downfield, and Mitoma displayed his technical ability by taking it out of the air with consummate control. In a quick motion, he curled a lovely effort into the bottom-right corner, leaving Filip Jorgensen powerless in goal. The Japanese winger’s touch of individual class not only gave Brighton the lead but also made Verbruggen the fifth Premier League goalkeeper to have an assist this term.
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Chelsea thought they had equalized briefly when Enzo Fernandez headed home a cross, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR check ruled that the Argentine midfielder had fouled Joel Veltman in the lead-up.

Minteh Doubles the Advantage Before Half-Time
Just as Chelsea seemed to be regaining composure, Brighton struck again in the 38th minute. Levi Colwill nearly deflected the ball into his own goal under pressure, prompting a reaction save from Jorgensen. But the rebound fell nicely to Danny Welbeck, who coolly played it off to Minteh. The 20-year-old striker made no error, hammering home from close range to take Brighton into the break with a commanding two-goal advantage.
Chelsea, who were two goals behind at halftime for the first time under Maresca, needed a big reaction. Yet, their creativity and finishing in the final third continued to let them down.

Minteh Strikes Again to Seal Brighton’s Dominance
If Chelsea were to have any chance of a second-half revival, Minteh quickly ended that. In the 63rd minute, he claimed his second goal of the evening, cutting inside and firing a crisp finish at the near post past Jorgensen to make Brighton’s advantage 3-0. There were appeals for a possible foul by Welbeck on Colwill in the lead-up, but the referee and VAR ruled it fair play.
Brighton, not a sign of complacency in sight, kept on going. Mitoma almost added a fourth, sprinting clear on goal, but his attempt was well thwarted. Almost immediately, Joao Pedro was presented with a golden chance after a weak clearance by Jorgensen, but he sent his shot over the bar.

Brighton’s Redemption After Forest Humiliation
Despite knocking Chelsea out of the FA Cup last week, Brighton entered this match still reeling from their shocking 7-0 thrashing at Nottingham Forest in their previous Premier League outing. However, their performance on Friday was a statement of intent, proving that they are serious contenders for a European spot this season.
Though Chelsea had started with possession in the early minutes, Brighton’s organized defense and merciless counter-attacks made their dominance a fact. The Seagulls, who had previously struggled to defend leads in the last few matches, were mature and composed on this occasion and saw out the match with ease.

Brighton are now within a few points of the European spots and will be buoyed by this next match against underperforming Southampton on February 22.
Chelsea’s Attacking Woes Deepen
For Chelsea, the loss serves as a reminder of their increasing issue—their poor firepower in front of goal. Without the likes of Nicolas Jackson, who will be out for six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury, Maresca preferred to play an attack-minded frontline of Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, and Jadon Sancho. The improvised frontline, however, was not able to come up with effective chances.
Palmer, who had been Chelsea’s main creative force in recent games, was forced into a deeper midfield role following Noni Madueke’s early injury. This adjustment significantly limited his impact, and Chelsea failed to register a single shot on target for most of the match.
With Aston Villa up next, Chelsea must quickly find solutions to their attacking struggles if they are to maintain their push for a top-four finish.
What’s Next?
Brighton will seek to improve on this commanding display by visiting Southampton, who are struggling against relegation, on February 22. Brighton have a golden chance of cementing their place in the battle for European football.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have a difficult task on their hands as they travel to Aston Villa next weekend. With important injuries mounting and attacking problems recurring, Maresca will have to make quick fixes if the Blues are not to suffer another disappointing defeat.
Conclusion:
Brighton’s dominant victory at Chelsea is a true testimony to the team’s resilience and attacking abilities. Thanks to Minteh excelling in style and Mitoma keeping his form going, the Seagulls fully have reasons to believe in their European aspirations this campaign.