Chelsea’s 4-2 victory over Brighton in Match Week 6 showcased the high-octane attacking flair and tactical nous that both teams brought to the table. Chelsea came into the game with a point to prove, and with four goals from Cole Palmer and company, they certainly made a statement.
Stat Breakdown
Chelsea’s expected goals (xG) of 3.3 outshone Brighton’s 1.6, which highlighted the quality of the chances Chelsea created throughout the game. The Blues were clinical in front of goal, with Cole Palmer scoring a hat-trick in just 41 minutes. Brighton’s 14 shots (7 from inside the box) showed their attacking intent, but they managed to convert only two chances.
Possession-wise, Brighton held 59%, but Chelsea made the most of their opportunities with only 41% of the ball, reinforcing the adage that possession doesn’t always equate to goals. Chelsea’s 21 touches in the box were matched by Brighton, but the Blues were far more ruthless in turning those touches into meaningful chances.
Match Momentum
The match’s momentum swung back and forth early on, but Chelsea took control with a dominant first-half display, building up steadily to Palmer’s goals at 21, 28, 30, and 41 minutes. Brighton’s brief momentum spike came in the second half when they clawed back two goals through Rutter and Baleba, but it was too little, too late. Chelsea’s ability to absorb pressure and hit back on the counter was pivotal to their victory.
Shot and Goal Analysis
Brighton attempted 14 shots, 5 on target, with their shot map highlighting struggles in converting key opportunities. Their two goals were hard-fought, with a significant chance falling to G. Rutter (xG 0.21) early in the game. Despite this, Brighton’s shot quality fell behind Chelsea’s—who posted an impressive six shots on target, converting four into goals.
Chelsea’s attacking zones revealed a strong focus on creating from wide areas, utilizing their wingers Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho. The central positioning of Palmer, operating just behind Jackson, proved deadly for Brighton’s defense. Their shot map shows a concentration of efforts from inside the box, where Chelsea’s finishing was sublime.
Pass Map and Possession Tactics
Chelsea’s pass map displayed how central the midfielders were to their play, with Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, and Colwill linking play from deep. Cucurella and Madueke provided width, while Palmer roamed freely in the half-spaces, exploiting gaps in Brighton’s defense.
Brighton, in contrast, dominated the ball through their double pivot of Wieffer and Baleba, while Estupiñán and Mitoma were tasked with providing width. Despite their possession-based approach, they struggled to break through Chelsea’s compact defensive structure, as their pass map shows they were often forced to recycle the ball horizontally.
In the end, Chelsea’s clinical edge and tactical discipline outmatched Brighton’s fluid possession game, sealing a vital win to stay near the top of the Premier League table. Brighton, while valiant in their approach, were left to reflect on missed opportunities as they continue their push for a European spot.