Chelsea crashed out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage following a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
Cole Palmer forced a comedic own goal from opposition goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, however the lead didn’t last long as they were pegged back eight minutes later.
Kaoru Mitoma gave the Seagulls the advantage in the second half, and the Blues never really looked like getting back into the game.
Enzo Maresca will have been disappointed to see his side create very little in front of goal, as he looked for the answer to Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu’s injury woes.
The Chelsea Chronicle have given their player rating’s from tonight’s FA Cup tie.
Chelsea player ratings vs Brighton in FA Cup
Robert Sanchez – 6/10
Could do nothing about either goal scored against him, but was unconvincing again with the ball at his feet. Supporters will still feel like Filip Jorgensen should be the number one going forwards.
Malo Gusto – 4/10
Struggled up against Mitoma and even Tariq Lamptey. Chelsea really missed Reece James, who they are hoping will not be absent from the squad for too long.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6/10
Never really looked troubled in the first half, however always seemed to be under pressure on the ball in the second. Didn’t cover himself in glory for the second Brighton goal.
Trevoh Chalobah – 6/10
Very accurate with his passing tonight, Chalobah had a relatively comfortable game at the back individually. The Englishman continued to show he has a key role to play for the rest of the season.
Marc Cucurella – 6/10
Receiving arguably the most hostile reception of any of the ex-Brighton players on display, Cucurella defended well up against a tricky opponent in Yankuba Minteh.
Moises Caicedo – 7/10
Received the ball under pressure countless times against a hungry Brighton press, but seemed to always come out on top. A great ball over the top for Nkunku should have resulted in an assist.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6/10
Picked up good positions as Palmer dropped deep in what was a rare start for Dewsbury-Hall. Dubious as to whether he proved himself to be an option for Maresca going forwards.
Pedro Neto – 6/10
Looked like he was really up for the battle up against Tariq Lamptey on the right of Chelsea’s attack, and created an early chance for the Blues from his pace alone. The decision to replace him looked strange, with Neto being their most promising attacker.
Cole Palmer – 6/10
Forced the early goal with a cross-cum-shot, however was far from his usual brilliant self in attack. Both Palmer and Nkunku were far too keen to pick up the same deeper positions in the middle.
Jadon Sancho – 5/10
Was pretty ineffective on the left wing for the Blues, and offered no real threat at goal. Starting to become a regular theme for Sancho, which will be worrying for his manager.
Christopher Nkunku – 5/10
Given his chance to lead the line for Chelsea tonight, the Frenchman did little to prove he should be a long-term option in the role.
Wasted a glorious opportunity in the first half when he decided to pass to Palmer rather than use his left foot to shoot.
Subs
Enzo Fernandez – 6/10
Chelsea certainly upped the tempo when the Argentinian was introduced after Brighton’s second goal. Had a decent chance on his left foot which was wayward.
Tyrique George – 5/10
Failed to impact the game after coming on. His biggest moment saw him blaze a shot way over.
Noni Madueke – 5/10
Replaced Neto, and in turn made Lamptey’s evening easier at left-back. The battle for the right-wing role is only going one way right now.
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