Chelsea see off Brighton with Eden Hazard the star
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea consolidated fourth place in the Premier League with a 2-1 win at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday that became harder work than had seemed likely in the first half.
Having won 4-0 at the Amex Stadium last season, they were on course for a repeat after taking a 2-0 lead at the interval.
Eden Hazard set up the first goal for Pedro after 17 minutes and scored the second himself before halftime following a defensive error.
Brighton came back into contention through Solly March's goal midway through the second half and Lewis Dunk went close to an equaliser.
The home side have not beaten Chelsea in any competition since 1933 but they stayed 13th in the table, nine points clear of the bottom three places.
Chelsea moved three points clear of London rivals Arsenal, who were beaten at Southampton. Reuters
PREVIEW
What time does it start?
Brighton vs Chelsea kicks off at 1:30pm (GMT) on Sunday 16th December.
Where can I watch it?
The match will not be shown live on TV or online in the UK.
Independent Sport will keep you up to date with all the goals as they fly in via our live blog.
Highlights will be shown at 10:15pm on BBC Two.
Player to watch…
David Luiz: After a torrid individual display at Tottenham three weeks ago, the Brazilian scored and played superbly in Chelsea’s win against Manchester City last week. As unpredictable as ever, the 31-year-old defender has solidified a partnership with German Antonio Rudiger at the back, and the Blues have only conceded 13 goals in the league this season.
Form guide…
Brighton: LLDWWL
Chelsea: LWWLWD
Odds…
Brighton to win: 15/2
Chelsea to win: 11/25
Draw: 17/5
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
Brighton 1-2 Chelsea, 90 minutes
Chelsea rather hanging on at the Amex.
Into four minutes of stoppage time as Brighton push for a leveller...
Brighton 1-2 Chelsea, 90 + 1 minutes
Kepa is booked for time-wasting. It's all got a little nervous for Maurizio Sarri's side.
Brighton 1-2 Chelsea, 90 + 2 minutes
Lewis Dunk is now deployed as a striker for Brighton and gets his head on to a Solly March cross.
He can't get the direction right. It is wide.
Southampton 3-2 Arsenal, 90 minutes
FIVE minutes added on at St Mary's.
A nervous energy in the home crowd, but their team are shutting the game down well so far. Will they hold on?
Southampton 3-2 Arsenal, 90 + 3 minutes
Floated cross to the edge of the box, Matteo Guendouzi's arriving...
He gets his jump wrong, and the ball bounces off his heavily forested dome and out for a goal kick.
Chelsea hold on at the Amex Stadium. Goals from Pedro and Eden Hazard are enough for a far-from-fluent 2-1 win.
Southampton 3-2 Arsenal, 90 + 4 minutes
Stuart Armstrong's legs are gone.
A little more time ticks off the clock as Tyreke Johnson comes on.
Southampton are almost there...
They've done it! A huge win for Ralph Husenhuttl's Southampton, three headed goals from two strikers securing victory in a topsy-turvy game at St Mary's as Arsenal's 22 game unbeaten run is over.
A first home win of the season for Southampton, and how that will lift the club.
They were good value for the three points, too. Arsenal's makeshift defence, and Bernd Leno particularly, struggled with crosses all afternoon.
A goal, an assist, and another Man of the Match performance from Eden Hazard.
Hazard didn't look entirely comfortable as a false nine, but he was Chelsea's best.
The type of win a team needs to compete at the top of the Premier League, grinding out victory on a cold winter's day against a battling opponent.
With Arsenal losing, Chelsea move three points clear in fourth place with Spurs two points further ahead in third. You sense that battle may go right to the final day...
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments