Brighton and Hove Albion substitute, Danny Welbeck, scored an injury-time goal to earn their first point at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. The 1-1 draw left the Blues with plenty of frustration to close out 2021.
“Very frustrating, very disappointing,” Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said. “We gave everything. We have enough big chances to decide the match. It was an intense match. Another two changes due to injury. Everyone is exhausted, it is the same every matchday now.”
Brighton have won more points with goals scored in or after the 90th minute than any other club in the Premier League this season.
“I’m really proud,” Brighton and Hove coach, Graham Potter, said. “We were brave. Throughout the game we showed our idea. You need a bit of luck, but we earned that.”
The late goal was Welbeck’s first goal against Chelsea in 11 years.
Chelsea did climb above Liverpool in the standings, claiming the No. 2 spot — but did lose potential to make some headway towards Manchester City at the top.
“We started very well,” Tuchel added. “The injury to Reece James was a huge blow. Andreas until then was one of the top players on the pitch. It’s too much. It’s why I understand if you struggle against a Brighton side with nothing to lose who plays with confidence.”
Brighton overtook Crystal Palace in the 10th spot with the draw.
“To come here and be ourselves is a big challenge and I thought we were and that is a credit to the players,” Potter added. “They were fantastic tonight. We performed well against Liverpool twice away, we have won and drawn there and that is not easy to do. But tonight was up there that is for sure. We have celebrated a point but I think it is more the performance and the courage that was shown as a group. I hope it is something we can take forward.”
Chelsea have now dropped 11 points from leading positions in the Premier League this season; that’s more than they did in the whole of last season (10).
Chelsea are back in action this weekend to host rivals Liverpool on Sunday, 2 January. Brighton will hit the road this weekend to match up against Everton on Sunday, 2 January.
