In-form Chelsea held on to beat Brighton 2-1 after Reece James’ late purple card, that means they transfer as much as sixth within the Premier League and edge in direction of European soccer subsequent season.
Objectives from Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku had put the guests in management on the Amex however it was a nervy finale for Mauricio Pochettino’s males after captain James kicked out at Joao Pedro and was despatched off following a VAR examine with two minutes of regular time remaining. Brighton couldn’t add to Danny Welbeck’s close-range end seven minutes into harm time, although.
A sixth-placed end will earn Chelsea Europa League soccer, ought to Man Metropolis win the FA Cup, or a UEFA Convention League spot, if Man Utd beat their rivals at Wembley. There may be but hope of stealing fifth off London rivals Tottenham, ought to Spurs surprisingly slip up at Sheffield United on the ultimate day.
However no matter what occurs elsewhere, Chelsea supporters will likely be buoyed by their aspect’s run of 4 straight victories, with their travelling fanbase in a position to have fun back-to-back away wins for the primary time in 2024.
There have been loads extra speaking factors on the south coast, with VAR in focus simply hours after it was revealed Premier League golf equipment will vote on scrapping the system for subsequent season.
VAR Peter Bankes suggested referee Michael Salisbury to examine the pitchside monitor for James’ apparent sending off and there have been different high-profile calls from the officers in Stockley Park within the first half.
Bankes additionally rightly suggested the ref to overturn his determination at hand Chelsea a penalty for Facundo Buonanotte’s good deal with on Marc Cucurella – however let off Tariq Lamptey for taking out Mykhailo Mudryk. Bankes stated there was no conclusive proof of violent conduct from Lamptey. Mudryk was pressured out of the sport with concussion.
There was additionally a header from Nicolas Jackson dominated out in that first half however these calls in the end didn’t stop Chelsea from persevering with their sturdy end to the marketing campaign.
Brighton mounted an enormous push on the finish of this contest, with Simon Adingra hitting a publish earlier than Welbeck pulled one again. It was the second time they’d hit the woodwork, after Joao Pedro’s header in opposition to the bar on the stroke of half time. However as soon as once more Brighton lacked precision within the closing third. It’s now 15 video games since they scored greater than as soon as in a match.
A 3rd defeat of the season to Chelsea leaves their hopes of a top-half end beneath menace on the ultimate day.
What’s subsequent?
The ultimate day of the Premier League season sees Brighton host Manchester United on the Amex on Sunday, kick-off 4pm.
On the similar time, Chelsea are at house to Bournemouth as they give the impression of being to safe their place in Europe.
