In an exhilarating FA Cup fourth-round match at the Amex Stadium on February 8, 2025, Brighton & Hove Albion pulled off an impressive 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea, sparking celebrations among the home fans. The match kicked off with a shocker for Brighton as their goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, accidentally directed a Cole Palmer cross into his own net within just five minutes, handing Chelsea an early lead and a seemingly advantageous position.
However, Brighton showed remarkable resilience and weren't down for long. Just seven minutes later, Georginio Rutter charged up the pace with a perfectly timed header, leveling the score after receiving a precise cross from Joël Veltman. It was a momentary lapse in Chelsea's defense that Rutter capitalized on, bringing life back into the game for the Seagulls.
Decisive Moment and Controversies
The decisive moment came with Kaoru Mitoma's striking goal in the 57th minute. His exquisite finish over Chelsea's goalkeeper Robert Sánchez sealed the game for Brighton, despite some buzzing chatter about a potential handball in the build-up to the goal. This controversial moment was a talking point for players and fans alike but didn't overshadow the overall performance put in by the Brighton squad.
For Chelsea, this defeat was more than just another loss; it extended their frustrating record to eight consecutive away games without a win since early December. With these ongoing struggles, the pressure mounts on their manager, Enzo Maresca, as his side sees diminishing hopes of securing any silverware apart from a distant chance in the UEFA Conference League.
In contrast, Brighton's young manager, Fabian Hurzeler, witnessed his team bouncing back from a demoralizing 7-0 league defeat by Nottingham Forest. Their recent performance in the FA Cup reflects a team spirit and togetherness, as highlighted by winger Tariq Lamptey, who lauded their ability to rally from setbacks and maintain unity in challenging times.
The game saw various key performers leaving their mark. Rutter's dynamic contribution, Mitoma's clinical match-winning goal, and even Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who was guilty of missing a clear chance before halftime. As Brighton advanced to the FA Cup fifth round, Chelsea’s away form woes continue to intensify scrutiny at Stamford Bridge.