Mauricio Pochettino’s self-proclaimed identity as a university professor should not be taken seriously. After the chaotic game, Pochettino was seen on the field losing his composure and directing his frustrations towards the officials, shedding any facade of thoughtfulness. Perhaps it is time for Todd Boehly to consider implementing a childcare facility at Stamford Bridge. Pochettino seemed to be managing a group of misbehaved children during a match that began with Chelsea dominating and ended with Levi Colwill narrowly avoiding conceding a penalty in the 110th minute. Emotions were high and Brighton nearly secured an unexpected point as chaos ensued.
Can we control ourselves and keep our composure? Not likely. Chelsea has the most disciplinary issues in the top league and were almost too aggressive in their quest for a fourth home win in the Premier League in 2023. They were determined to bounce back after their defeat against Newcastle, but their captain, Conor Gallagher, was sent off just before halftime, leaving them with 10 players. Pochettino was impressed by the determination of his young team, but he also recognizes the need to address their lack of experience.
Pochettino expressed the need for several players to experience the intensity of playing in the Premier League, but he also praised Gallagher and highlighted the team’s positive aspects. The team aimed to display their true capabilities and demonstrate their determination. This was exemplified by Thiago Silva’s crucial intervention as Brighton attempted to score a late goal. Robert Sánchez also made key saves and tensions rose between the two teams after the match. Pochettino emphasized the importance of not just having a playing style, but also being a unified team. This challenging game was necessary for the team’s growth.
Chelsea was also in need of some luck. Brighton was angry about the VAR decision that led to Enzo Fernández scoring the winning goal from a penalty. They were later disappointed when Colwill was called for handball while Chelsea was trying to protect their 3-2 lead in stoppage time. However, upon review, it was revealed that the ball had actually hit Colwill in the face.
Roberto De Zerbi’s excitement quickly turned into letdown, despite Brighton’s manager choosing not to protest the penalty given to Chelsea for James Milner’s tackle on Mykhailo Mudryk. The Italian stated, “I prefer not to comment on the referee. I didn’t witness anything and I must respect every decision.”
De Zerbi accepted that Brighton conceded silly goals. Chelsea responded to Pochettino’s anger after the 4-1 defeat by Newcastle. Pochettino made four changes, with Cole Palmer a notable omission, and reacted to a shortage of full-backs by naming Axel Disasi at right-back.
Chelsea showed dedication. Brighton, depleted by injuries and fatigued from their victory against AEK Athens on Thursday, found it difficult to keep up. Chelsea had a simple time moving through the midfield. Moisés Caicedo didn’t let the jeers from the opposing fans affect him and provided stability. Fernández was hard to catch. Raheem Sterling challenged Brighton on the right side.
The game-changing moment occurred when Gallagher took a corner kick. Benoît Badiashile gained control of the ball and skillfully placed it into the six-yard box. Brighton’s defense was weakened without Lewis Dunk. No one attempted to prevent Fernández from scoring his first goal in the Premier League.
The score soon became 2-0 as Nicolas Jackson redirected a corner from Gallagher to Colwill, who was able to push the ball over the line. This marked the 20-year-old’s first goal for the team and it appeared that Chelsea had a comfortable lead. However, the momentum shifted when Adam Lallana passed to Facundo Buonanotte, who found himself in a one-on-one situation with Colwill. Buonanotte skillfully cut inside and curled a stunning shot past Sánchez.
Chelsea potentially had a chance at a clear victory, as Mudryk had come close to scoring. However, their lack of experience became a hindrance. With only 10 players on the field, Gallagher was lucky to only receive a yellow card for a foul on Buonanotte. Later, he lost control of the ball and received his second booking for taking down the former Chelsea player from behind.
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It’s important to note that Reece James, the leader of the team, was already unable to play after being ejected in the game against Newcastle. Pochettino is facing an issue. Silva became the captain, but Caicedo received a yellow card for kicking the ball away. Chelsea seemed nervous. Caicedo came close to receiving another booking and De Zerbi responded by bringing in Kaoru Mitoma, João Pedro, Pascal Gross, and Milner.
The 10 players on Brighton’s team were not being challenged. They did not have confidence and their formation fell apart after a corner kick. Jackson passed the ball to Mudryk, but Milner caused the winger to fall. The contact was minimal, just a bit of tangled legs, but Craig Pawson awarded a penalty after reviewing the replay on the sideline monitor. Fernández then increased Chelsea’s advantage.
Chelsea retreated, giving Brighton an opportunity. Sánchez made an impressive save from Gross and Brighton scored a goal when João Pedro headed in Milner’s corner. This caused tension and apprehension among the players. Colwill was lucky to avoid a setback, but Chelsea’s determination ultimately led them to victory.
Source: theguardian.com
