Chelsea have spent over two billion kroner on new players to take up the battle for league gold this season, but the London team’s first goal was a pure gift package from Brighton.
When the hosts tried to play out from behind after 20 minutes of play, things went wrong. A desperate cross from Jorginho was intercepted by a defender after Timo Werner. The German was then put on the ground by Brighton goalkeeper Mathew Ryan and the referee blew a penalty.
From the penalty spot, Jorginho sent the goalkeeper one way and the ball into the opposite corner. It was the Italian’s eighth penalty goal for Chelsea in as many attempts.
Until then, the teams had been as good as equal. After the score, Brighton was best until the break. Graham Potter’s men played their way to several solid chances. Steven Alzate in particular put Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to the test on a couple of occasions, but 1-0 stood at the break.
19-year-old ravaged
Although Chelsea have made a big splash this summer, the player they sold to Brighton in January was Tariq Lamptey, who was the first-time big player. The defender was both high and low and created big problems too far with experienced ex-teammates.
The second half was only three minutes old when the 19-year-old passed two Chelsea defenders and thundered the ball towards goal. The shot was blocked, but just minutes later he was second last on the ball when the home team equalized.
From outside the box, Leandro Trossard sent a shot to the far corner, which went under Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and into goal. Chelsea manager Frank Lampard can hardly have been impressed with the team’s last defense.
Right at the crossroads
Brighton had barely finished cheering before Chelsea were in the lead again. Chelsea’s right-back Reece James set up the shot and hammered the ball hard into the crossbar from around 20 meters – unreachable for Ryan. Then it was played 56 minutes.
Lewis Dunk was given a chance to change things around. 2 – 2 was the score after the first half.
Then Chelsea were more efficient. After a corner, the ball ended up with Kurt Zouma. The Chelsea player tried his luck with the foot of the shot and sent off a shot that went via a Brighton player and into goal after 66 minutes.
There were no more goals and Chelsea eventually won 3-1.
Great expectations
There were high expectations for Chelsea after trading players for over two billion kroner, but the London team had to fight hard for the points against Brighton.
In addition to Timo Werner (from RB Leipzig) and Kai Havertz (from Bayer Leverkusen) who started Monday’s match, Hakim Ziyech (Ajax), Ben Chilwell (Leicester), Malang Sarr (Nice), Thiago Silva (PSG) have also joined the gates of Stamford Bridge.
The first two started Monday’s settlement and did not disappear in any way. Both showed that they are class players that Chelsea will enjoy a lot this season. .
Brighton’s new signing Adam Lallana lasted just under a half. The 32-year-old, who played over 120 games for Liverpool, had to leave with an injury after 44 minutes of play.
Next round, Brighton take the trip to Newcastle, while Frank Lampard takes Chelsea to Anfield to meet reigning league champions Liverpool.
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