In-form Chelsea held on for a 2-1 win at Brighton after Rhys James’ late purple card, which implies they climb to sixth within the Premier League and have the higher hand in European soccer subsequent season.
Objectives from Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku put the guests in management on the Amex, but it surely was a nervy finale for Mauricio Pochettino’s males after captain James despatched off João Pedro and was despatched off following a VAR assessment two minutes into regular time. Nonetheless, Brighton have been unable so as to add to Dani Welbeck’s shut vary seven minutes into stoppage time.
Sixth place will earn Chelsea the Europa League if Man Metropolis win the FA Cup, or a spot within the UEFA Convention League if Man United beat their Wembley rivals. There may be nonetheless hope of stealing fifth place from London rivals Tottenham when Spurs unexpectedly concede to Sheffield United on the ultimate day.
However no matter what occurs elsewhere, Chelsea followers might be buoyed by a run of 4 consecutive victories and their touring fanbase will have the ability to have fun away wins for the primary time in 2024.
There have been loads of different speaking factors on the south coast, with VAR within the highlight – simply hours after it was revealed that Premier League golf equipment will vote to scrap the system subsequent season.
Referee Michael Salisbury was suggested by VAR Peter Banks to verify the pitchside monitor for an obvious James sending off, and there have been different loud calls from the officers at Stokely Park within the first half.
Banks additionally rightly suggested the referee to reverse his determination to award Chelsea a penalty for Facundo Buonanotte’s good sort out on Marco Cucurella, however to let off Tariq Lamptey for bringing down Michail Mudryk. Banks stated there was no conclusive proof of violent conduct by Lamptey. Mudryk was out of the sport with a concussion.
Nicholas Jackson’s header was additionally dominated out within the first half, however these calls finally didn’t forestall Chelsea from persevering with their emphatic marketing campaign.
Brighton made a giant push late within the contest with Simon Odingra hitting the publish earlier than Welbeck made the save. It was the second time that they had hit the publish after Joao Pedro’s first-half header hit the bar. However Brighton once more lacked precision within the last third. It is now 15 video games since they’ve scored greater than as soon as in a match.
Chelsea’s third defeat of the season leaves their hopes of a top-half end on the ultimate day in jeopardy.
What’s subsequent?
Final day of the Premier League season Brighton host Manchester United on the Amex on Sunday, kick-off 4pm.
concurrently, Chelsea are at dwelling in Bournemouth as they give the impression of being to safe their place in Europe.
