Chelsea - Brighton Press Box Coverage
What a game, what an occasion. Time will tell whether this was the official introduction to Brighton as an elite Premier League institution, but they have certainly shown they have the infrastructure to make performances of this ilk a regular occurrence. Prior to the starting lineup being released I thought it would be a 2-2 draw, then I saw Chelsea’s XI and went for a 2-1 away victory for the Seagulls. In fact I am getting ahead of myself, forgive me.
I want to shout out BCOMS for providing the opportunity for me to attend this game and access the press box. It was an unreal experience as I was able to see firsthand the role of journalists before, during, and after a game. There were many intangible lessons taken from the day, so I’m truly grateful and hope it isn’t the last time I’m there.
Before I get into post match comments from the respective managers, I wanted to offer general sentiments from the game. Brighton were excellent in all phases of play, barring their finishing which could’ve made the scoreline more reflective of their dominance. They demonstrated four things which set them apart from Chelsea:
Poise- Cool, calm, and collected after going a goal down.
Mentality: Unyielding in their approach to build up from the back and play out of the press.
Intensity: They won the physical alongside the tactical battle through combative work across the pitch when they lost the ball. Man for man they outworked their opponent.
Quality: Crisp, sharp passing allowed them to generate chance after chance. When it mattered most individual pieces of quality proved to be the deciding factor.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, this game further emphasised the gap between the two clubs whereby Chelsea appeared to be lacking direction compared to Brighton who seem crystal clear in their footballing approach. One team looked disorganised, the other looked unified, and it was clear to see the need for stability at the Bridge. More than anything vision is required as there does not seem to be a definite strategy when watching Chelsea play. Lampard reiterated the need for training however the reality is he will not be afforded that time given the busyness of their schedule. The rationale of his appointment remains to be seen, but this stopgap approach is Chelsea’s forte, albeit they have previously hired much more experienced managers to rescue hapless campaigns. If there is any hope in salvaging this season it will be through understanding how to best utilise this bloated squad, but even then the next manager may undo all of Lampard’s work. For the Brighton manager, he is all too familiar with upskilling talented yet underrated players. As he stressed repeatedly, it is all about mentality so his main goal is to convince his players of their ability to outplay the very best in England and beyond. This result could go a large way in doing so. It also represents a broader change in the Premier League where the so-called lesser teams are proving that they can compete with the best not just on a physical level but technically and tactically (e.g. Newcastle).
Now to the respective post match interviews, De Zerbi’s (who looked visibly tired and rightfully so given the passion he exerted during the game) is as follows:
When asked whether this performance was better than their 4-1 victory against Chelsea at the AMEX Stadium earlier this season, he agreed that this was the case, however stressed that they need to improve their ability to see out games more comfortably. He mentioned that this is due to mentality and the players believing they can control the game from start to finish.
He caveated that Brighton’s dominance may have been in small part due to the game being sandwiched in between Chelsea’s fixtures against Real Madrid.
A comment was made about the significance of Brighton winning this game through dominating possession as opposed to a smash and grab victory, to which Roberto stated that football can be played in many ways and one has to decide which avenue they prefer. The important thing is to believe in the choice that is made and stick with it.
He then paid homage to his predecessor Graham Potter and acknowledged the strong work that was done before him.
Regarding injuries, he confirmed Ferguson and Veltman will be out for a minimum of two week, thus adding to their lengthening injury list. It has been a tough two month period for them, but they have overcome it. Now there are two big goals left in the season: FA Cup glory and securing European football.
When asked about Enciso’s performance, he said he didn’t like him after he goal as he needs to keep playing after he scored.
The biggest progress the team has made is in their quality of play (their philosophy is better and clearer) and mentality (the personality to play this style of football at Stamford Bridge).
Lampard’s comments:
After being asked if this was their most painful defeat, he responded that it was their most deserved and disappointing performance as they were well-beaten in the basics of football. They were a yard short, a tackle short, a fighting moment short. Performances create victories so his focus was on the performance, and it was not good enough.
He stated that it’s his job to try and change the intensity they play with which necessitates training time but they don’t have it.
A journalist rightly pointed out that this was the 15th goal this season Chelsea had conceded when losing possession in their own half. Lampard mentioned that he wasn’t sure how this would get sorted, but it is his job to do so.
Another question came in asking how much of Chelsea being short of the mark could be attributed to mental and physical factors respectively. He responded that it is a hard one to decipher. Physical is work and to be a top team you need to be towards the top of the physical statistics which is an individual and collective goal. A collectively strong group only comes through individual performances. From today’s performance it was clear that they were short in those areas.
‘Do you think teams are no longer afraid by Chelsea?’ Lampard retorted that many a top football club has had moments where the fear factor reduces, however the only way to fight this is to look within. The first thing that is required is to become a team that no one wants to play against.
‘The fans morale seems to dripping away week by week- do you have anything you want to say to encourage them?’: he said it’s not his job to do that- what matters is the team delivers on the pitch as his words will not change anything- the fans will still turn up and support the team.
Player ratings:
Chelsea: Overall, they were outclassed in every position and but for Kepa and the woodwork, the score would’ve been more reflective of the gulf in performance from the two clubs. The current chasm between the two clubs speaks volumes to the role of stability, recruitment and strategy from the front office in executing their vision for the clubs. Whilst Chelsea have recruited good, young players, the stagger-gun approach has reflected onto the pitch with team looking like a collection of individual articles missing the glue to stick them together. For Brighton, the whole is indeed greater than the sun of its individual parts, with they mystery behind this being that the individual players shining ever brighter because of their connection with one another.
Kepa Arizzabalaga: 7/10- made some great saves and kept Chelsea in the game. Couldn’t have done anything about the two goals conceded, particularly Enciso’s screamer
Benoit Badiashile: 4/10- Drifted in and out of the game- didn’t make his presence felt
Enzo Fernandez: 6/10- Unfortunate to have been subbed off given he was one of Chelsea’s better players, however it was with one eye on the Real Madrid fixture next Tuesday.
Christian Pulisic: 4/10- Hugely ineffective as the game drifted past him. No contributions of note to mention- was subsequently subbed off for Ziyech, arguably stayed on the pitch for too long
Trevor Chalobah: 3/10- Tasked with the difficult job of handling Mitoma, he struggled throughout the game as the Japanese winger took him to school. Tough outing for him- he stood up to the task when moved back into his preffered centre back position where he fared considerably better.
Mykhailo Mudryk: 7/10- Chelsea’s best player who was a thorn in the side of Veltman until he came off with an injury. Had contributions to both goals and was denied by a smart save from Sanchez preventing him from registering his own goal. Faded as the game went on and Brighton seized control- would’ve wanted to be more involved after the break. Defensively could’ve provided more support for Chilwell for the first goal, but that is the opportunity cost of his ability going forward
Raheem Sterling: 3/10- Struggled to have any positive impact mother game in a false 9 position, which isn’t entirely his fault. When compared to his counterparts (Ferguson and Welbeck) it was clear to see his shortcomings when holding up the ball and linking play. With the recent acquisitions of Madueke and Mudryk, his chances to play in his preferred wing position appear slimmer by the day.
Denis Zakaria: 3/10- The weakest of the midfield three which lost the battle to the two Brighton pivots. Failed to screen his centre halves as Welbeck/Ferguson dropped into pockets and brought others into play. Also failed to get tight enough to Caicedo or McAllister who were more aggressive off the ball and poised on the ball.
Ben Chilwell: 5/10- Marshalled March fairly well for the beginning of the game as the majority of Brighton’s attacks came from their left hand side, however the winger grew into the game and his partnership with GroB caused the full back issues.
Conor Gallagher: 6/10- One of the few Chelsea players who applied himself physically to the task, albeit lacking composure at times with his ball retention. Fortuitous goal which ended the long drought for Chelsea, however their midfield were outclassed by the Brighton duo. It appears he has found the liking of Lampard so it will be interesting to see how he is used for the remainder of the season.
Wesley Fofana: 5/10- Akin to his fellow center back, he struggled with the movement and guile of the Brighton forwards. Subbed off as part of the reshuffle after the break.
Mateo Kovacic: 6/10- Came on after the break and helped the team as they pressed for an equaliser to no avail.
Joao Felix: 6/10- Linked up play much better than Sterling in a role he is more familiar with. For all his talent he needs to contribute more to goals and assists which he will be ultimately judged by.
Mason Mount: 5/10- Was not on the pitch for long enough to make an impact, but he looked as near and tidy as usual. Had one shot which he blazed over the bar, but too little too late.
Hakim Ziyech: 5/10- he fared much better than Pulisic as Chelsea looked for an equaliser.
Reece James: 6/10- It’s clear to see something isn’t right at the minute, but I think the most pressing issue is that his strengths are not being focused on in this team. He set the league ablaze with his rampaging runs and inch-perfect crosses into the box, yet as the months have progressed he has spent less and less time in these attacking zones where he can do damage. Injuries have not helped, but I think greater emphasis needs to be placed on getting him into more attacking opportunities. He delivered a great ball across the box but no Chelsea forward was in sight- this has become all too familiar.
Brighton: If they recruit well (which history says they will), they’re ready for European football.
Robert Sanchez: 7/10- He was pivotal to their build up play from the back. He looks so comfortable on the ball and exudes confidence which spreads to his back line. He is growing from strength to strength and is quickly becoming one of the standout keepers in Europe.
Adam Webster: 8/10- He largely goes under the radar but he is an excellent player. His ability to break up play, initiate attacks, and produce timely tackles and blocks often goes unnoticed. His late injury meant he received a well deserved cheer from the fans and it is clear he is appreciated by his teammates.
Lewis Dunk: 8/10- Similar to his CB partner, their quality is often underrated and he must wonder what more is required for him to thought about for international duty. He certainly is up there with the top English defenders and possesses the all round game suitable for international football. Brighton have a knack of producing cultured CB’s- he seems to be ageing like wine.
Solly March: 7/10- Started on the periphery of the game however grew into it as the Seagulls’ attack balanced between both flanks. His partnership with Grob was especially profitable as they worked in harmony against Chilwell to good effect.
Alexis Mac Allister: 8/10- As smooth as silk, what a player he is. Alongside Caicedo they bossed the game from start to finish. His shot narrowly went wide early on, whilst his curling shot was over the bar after he danced past two Chelsea players. He kept things ticking over with his incisive passing and clever positional play. Whilst many clubs will be eyeing him up this summer, under De Zerbi he does have a manager who can get the best out of him. A move away from the AMEX Stadium may not be a foregone conclusion if Brighton continue to impress as such.
Pascal GroB: 7/10- He’s a very intelligent player, with his adjustment to right back changing the dynamic of the game. A great assist for the first goal and his combination play with March was a joy to watch.
Kaoru Mitoma: 9/10- He was unplayable. His dribbling style is similar to Sadie Mane (big comparison) but honestly he was unstoppable. Aside from some smart saves he would have scored a brace, either way he was a constant menace and looked a class above the rest. At one point towards the end of the game he motioned to De Zerbi in disappointment when the ball was not played in behind for him, but his manager demonstrated the movement he should have displayed.
Moises Caicedo: 9/10 (Man of the Match)- His tactical awareness off the ball to close gaps and make key interceptions/tackles helps sustain attacks for the team. He keeps things simple on the ball and is efficient with his passing. A very very impressive player who will grow as he continues to work with this manager. His physicality also springs up on the pitch- he is a very dominant player.
Evan Ferguson: 7/10- His link up play is extremely intelligent and his physique can be deceiving whereby you’d expect him to be a prototypical number nine. His role in this team is crucial to their fluency, so he will be missed for the next few futures, although Welbeck is an able replacement.
Pervis Josue Tenorio Estupinan: 7/10- He has formed a nice partnership with Mitoma, where his underlapping runs provide space for the Japanese winger to operate.
Joel Veltman: 4/10- The one player who didn’t have his greatest game, where Mudryk got the better of him. The early yellow card didn’t help his cause and his injury cut short his game, but he will be back soon after he recovers.
Danny Welbeck: 7/10- After coming on from the bench he over where Ferguson left off and scored the equaliser with a well-taken header. His linkup play was as good as usual and remains a very effective Premier League striker. The disrespect is loud for someone who continues to prove he is a valuable member of most squads.
Julio Enciso: 8/10- Stellar performance with his second half winner as good as it gets. His introduction into the team changed the dynamic of the game and wrestled complete control for Brighton. De Zerbi was not happy with his display after his goal, and rightly so, as it appeared as though he felt his job was done so he took his foot off the gas, perhaps an indication of his youth yet we can’t take too much away from him. It was a big moment for him, probably the biggest of his career- I’m sure he will grow from strength to strength.
14. Jan Paul van Hecke: N/A
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and loved being at the game. You learnt a lot from the stands so it’s something I want to do much more- hopefully that means more content for you guys!
Stay blessed,
To a simpler life;