Chelsea’s current season is characterised as a stop-start and a work in progress, but one thing it can no longer be labelled as is dull.
The thrilling 3-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, despite playing with 10 men, extended the total goals scored in their last four league games to an impressive 23.
As the final whistle blew at Stamford Bridge amid a wintry downpour, players and coaching staff flooded onto the pitch, reflecting a mixture of relief and celebration.
The visitors, Brighton, gave Chelsea a formidable challenge in yet another roller-coaster game.
While Mauricio Pochettino’s team showcased their attacking prowess with 12 goals in the recent four games against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Brighton, it also highlighted Chelsea’s vulnerability, conceding 11 goals.
Despite the offensive resurgence, the defensive aspect indicates that Chelsea still has work to do to reestablish themselves among the Premier League’s elite.
“Yes, we have conceded but to win, you need to score. That is entertainment; that is football. People love to see two offensive teams playing,” Pochettino told reporters.
“Of course, I want to score 10 goals and concede zero but if you want to be offensive, sometimes you take risks and concede chances. But it’s about winning,” he said.
Chelsea appeared on track for a comfortable rebound from their previous weekend’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle, with Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill both notching their first league goals for the club in the 17th and 21st minutes.
Despite a curling strike by Facundo Buonanotte for the visitors and Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher receiving a second yellow card just before halftime, the Blues maintained a two-goal lead.
Fernanadez’s penalty in the 65th minute restored their cushion, but a late Joao Pedro header created a nervy finale. The match also included a penalty for Brighton, which was overturned after a VAR check.
Mauricio Pochettino praised his young players for meeting the challenge of playing half the match with 10 men, even though he disagreed with Gallagher’s second booking for a tackle from behind on former Chelsea colleague Billy Gilmour.
“I told them at halftime… I am happy that that happened because it’s a great opportunity for us,” he said. “It’s a massive challenge. Come on, now we need to show that we are a team.
“That is a thing that for sure will improve us.”
Chelsea, who still sit 10 points off the top four in the 10th spot, will next face Manchester United away on Wednesday.
Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi lamented the “three very stupid goals” his side conceded but refused to be drawn on the decision that James Milner fouled Mykhailo Mudryk which allowed Fernandez to score from the spot and make the score 3-1.
“About football, what you want, but about the referee (Craig Pawson), I didn’t see anything,” said the Italian, who has been given a touchline ban in the past for his conduct towards match officials. “We have to accept every decision.”
