Brighton produced a superb display at Stamford Bridge to enhance their credentials as European contenders, as Chelsea suffered their third consecutive defeat under Frank Lampard.
Substitute Julio Enciso scored the game-winning goal 20 minutes from time, completing a stunning turnaround after Danny Welbeck’s header cancelled out Conor Gallagher’s deflected opener for the hosts.
That ended the Blues’ four-game goalless streak, their longest in 30 years, but it will be little consolation for fans who saw their team thrashed by Roberto De Zerbi’s visitors.
Chelsea have rarely been so outclassed, even during their recent poor run. Brighton were outstanding, their passing range and ball intelligence making a mockery of Todd Boehly’s £500 million investment to propel Chelsea up the league. Only one of these teams belonged in Europe next season based on this performance.
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Brighton had the early chances. Karou Mitoma broke past Trevor Chalobah down the left and cut back for Alexis MacAllister, who shot wide, before Evan Ferguson took the ball on his left foot, checked inside, and smacked a shot against Kepa Arrizabalaga’s crossbar with his right.
Chelsea took the lead minutes later. Mykhailo Mudryk took over on the left side and drove infield. He feinted by playing the ball wide.
Brighton, unfazed, went about their business. Pervis Estupinan made a determined run down Chelsea’s left flank and fed the ball inside for Solly March to try his luck from range, but his effort whizzed inches wide.
Then Mitoma reminded everyone of his rising star by dancing through the defense and drawing an outstanding one-handed save from Arrizabalaga.
Mitoma and Mac Allister had more chances as the visitors gradually took control of possession and the game, but both missed from good positions.
Chelsea resorted to counter-attacking, hoping to find space for the lively Mudryk.
Brighton soon took complete control, and after 30 minutes, they closed the gap again.
Ferguson received a throw-in and fed substitute Enciso, who had come on for the injured Joel Veltman. He slipped his man and crossed for Ferguson, who continued his run and placed a header towards the corner, only for Arrizabalaga to make another superb save to turn it over the bar.
Ferguson, who had been outstanding, suffered an injury and was replaced by Welbeck.
It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Brighton. Within minutes, they had reached an agreement. Pascal Gross looked up to see Welbeck peeling away at the far post after the ball was worked out wide. As two Chelsea defenders rose, neither could beat Welbeck to the ball and prevent him from bringing Brighton level.
On a rare Chelsea break, Christian Pulisic hit the post in added time at the end of the half. Otherwise, Brighton had complete control of the game by halftime.
The second period began in the same manner. Mitoma tormented Chelsea down the left again, this time slipping in Enciso, who almost put Brighton ahead but for Arrizabalaga’s save.
Chelsea was in desperate need of a change. Lampard’s response was to make four at once.
It actually made them more unstable. Enciso gave a taste of what was to come on the hour mark, outmuscling Chalobah and substitute Reece James and striking the post.
Then it was his turn. When he collected March’s square ball 30 yards out, there appeared to be little on. Chelsea gave him space, failing to take the threat seriously, and Enciso punished them spectacularly.