Despite a late second-half rally from Brighton, two first-half goals from Pedro and Hazard were enough for Chelsea to leave the Amex with all three points.
A precarious game by Chelsea
Following their win against Manchester City, it looked as though Chelsea would have no trouble picking apart the Seagulls on Sunday at the Amex. In the first half, the predictions seemed true enough as Hazard fed Pedro for the first goal. The pressure from the visiting team would not stop there either as Hazard added another goal to his tally in the 33rd minute. At half-time, the Blues were in complete control and there wasn’t anything from the home side to suggest the game would turn.
The beginning of the second half saw Chelsea peg Brighton back into their own half once again. However, as the half dragged on the Seagulls gained momentum, scoring a goal and reversing the roles by pushing Chelsea into a more defensive posture. Sloppy play from Chelsea’s defenders, namely Alonso, would create a host of problems for Sarri’s men, and a game which looked secured was hotly contested in the latter stages of the second half.
It should bother Sarri that a team that showed so much resolve last weekend crumbled after sustained pressure by Brighton. Brighton are no Manchester City, and although their second-half performance was outstanding, Chelsea should have been better and been home and dry. Desperate defending from Chelsea’s back line showed a degree of complacency from Chelsea, as though they had already won the match.
The match could have easily ended in a draw too and Chelsea must remind themselves that other teams in the Premier League may not be as forgiving as Brighton were on the day. Although Sarri has talked about how difficult it would be for Chelsea to secure the title, there must be resolve and ambition from the team, especially in matches like this one. With teams like Arsenal and Tottenham showing positive play, it is crucial for Chelsea to win these games in a convincing fashion.
Hughton showcases managerial ability
Hughton failed his team mightily in the first half by setting Brighton up to defend the advances of Hazard, Willian, Pedro, and Loftus-Cheek. It was a completely ineffective strategy by the Englishman, and all the counter-attacks that followed the long spells of defending by Brighton were all quickly squashed by Chelsea’s midfield.
The tip of the spear for the Seagulls, Glenn Murray, looked unusually dull on Sunday as well which only added to Hughton’s problems. Luckily, changes in tactics and substitutions in the second half changed the outlook of the game for the home team. In particular, the introduction of Florin Andone injected speed and energy into the team, influencing the rest of the team into pressuring Chelsea’s back line.
That constant pressure and a high front line from Brighton in the second half bothered Chelsea for the rest of the match, and the Seagulls could have easily had the equaliser were it not for Alonso’s controversial tackle late in the second half. Although it was late, it is positive to see Hughton understanding this team and presenting positive attacking play against one of the best teams in the Premier League.
Questions over Chelsea’s back line
Alonso has been one of the stalwarts in Chelsea’s defense, providing support in attack as well as in defense. Yet there have been questions over the Spaniard’s place in the team due to his recent performances. Although one of his shots on Sunday almost ended in a goal, his defensive frailties were once again present, and the former Sunderland man could have easily received a red card for his tackle on Solly March.
David Luiz presents a similar problem in that his forward passes are so crucial to Chelsea’s attack, but his defensive performances have not been outstanding. Although he was not the problem on Sunday, the Brazilian has recently looked a liability in Chelsea’s back line.
Following a clean sheet in the win over Manchester City, it may seem a tad unfair to criticise two of the pillars in this Chelsea team. However, that game does not excuse previous mistakes by the defensive pair. Although Sarri rarely changes his lineups, he should consider giving players like Christensen and Emerson the opportunity to prove themselves and show Alonso and Luiz that their place in the team is not guaranteed.
Solly March the new Pascal Groß?
There hasn’t been much talk concerning March’s form this season. He wasn’t really a key player for Brighton last season and there wasn’t much to suggest he would be a key player this season. With Murray taking much of the praise and fans still expecting Groß to match his performances from last year, March has been quietly working away, making vital contributions to his team.
With five assists this season, March has been the provider for much of Brighton’s finer moments in attack. Although he hasn’t scored as many goals as Murray this season or Groß last season, March has established himself as a great winger who provides consistency for this Brighton side.
With Izquierdo and Knockaert regressing and failing to provide assists or goals, it must please Hughton to see March taking the responsibility of provider for himself. Groß has been out for most of the season and continues to display a certain tiredness still, but Brighton will have to make do with Solly March, which should be no problem if he continues his fine form.
Hazard finding form once again
Hazard was once again the player who orchestrated almost every attacking move made from Chelsea, providing yet another assist for one of his teammates before ending his run of 12 games without a goal.
His skill on the ball confuses defenders and leaves midfielders scrambling to contain him, and although Hazard does not always put on such performances, he did on Sunday. There is no doubt that he won the match for Chelsea, and it was no easy task to travel to the Amex and leave with all three points. Indeed, it seems as though the Belgian is entering another run of good form, which is fortunate for Chelsea as it also means a good run of form for the team.
It was unfortunate to see Dale Stephen’s horrific tackle on Hazard which forced the number 10 off the pitch. He was seen at full-time with ice around his ankle but it is believed it was just a precaution and Sarri will be hoping there are no serious injury concerns with his main man, especially considering the dense fixture schedule fastly approaching.
