December 30, (THEWILL) – Brighton snatched a late point against Chelsea on Wednesday night’s 1-1 result courtesy of a late header from Danny Welbeck that handed the Blues yet another major setback in the title fight.
Early on, both teams had chances to break the deadlock. In the first ten minutes, Romelu Lukaku was a significant threat, while Tariq Lamptey was active down the visitors’ right and could have done better with a scuffed chance.
Soon after, Robert Sanchez failed to claim a corner and watched as Cesar Azpilicueta’s scruffy effort came back off the post, but it was a hint of things to come as another corner gave Thomas Tuchel’s side a goal just before half-time.
Romelu Lukaku rose highest to head past Sanchez, and the goal was awarded after VAR determined that the Belgian had not fouled Neal Maupay in the process.
Brighton responded admirably, launching a swift counter-offensive against Chelsea. As the Blues fought valiantly to keep their lead going into the halftime break, Alexis Mac Allister and Adam Lallana both had good chances blocked.
With Yves Bissouma’s thundering shot from range producing a fine save from Edouard Mendy, Graham Potter’s side started the second half on top, and the Seagulls had plenty of half-chances to get back into the game. Chelsea had been left hanging at times, so N’Golo Kante was brought in.
The difference was clear as Chelsea surged back into the game after Kante’s arrival, but Brighton continued to threaten down the other end, setting up a tense last few minutes.
Lukaku’s close-range attempt was superbly diverted by Joel Veltman, but Brighton got the final laugh as Danny Welbeck rose highest to head home an equaliser in stoppage time to give the Seagulls a deserved point.
Chelsea sacrificed more points as a result, but they are now second in the table, ahead of Liverpool, who they will face next time out and who have a game in hand. The Blues are just one point behind Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. With yet another draw, Brighton climb to tenth place, and they head to Everton on Sunday.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
