Chelsea Knocked Out of FA Cup by Brighton; Man City Survive Leyton Orient Test
Kaoru Mitoma second-half strike condemned Chelsea to an early FA Cup exit as Brighton secured a 2-1 victory in the fourth round.
While Kevin De Bruyne came to Manchester City’s rescue in their narrow 2-1 win over League One side Leyton Orient on Saturday.
Chelsea’s long wait for domestic silverware continues. With their last triumph dating back to the FA Cup in 2018.
Enzo Maresca’s side squandered an early lead at the Amex Stadium after a calamitous error gifted them the opener.
Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ mishandled Cole Palmer’s cross, inadvertently turning the ball into his net just five minutes in.
Despite the fortunate start, Chelsea failed to capitalise, allowing Brighton to regroup and respond.
The Seagulls, humiliated 7-0 by Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last weekend, showed remarkable resilience.
They equalised in the 12th minute. When Joel Veltman’s cross found Georginio Rutter. Who expertly nodded the ball into the far corner between Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Brighton’s comeback was completed in the 57th minute as Mitoma clipped a delicate finish past Chelsea keeper Robert Sánchez. Sparking controversy with Chelsea players appealing for handball.
“The handball was quite clear. Without VAR, it’s complicated,” Maresca admitted after the match.
Reflecting on the result, he add: “In the second half, the only shots they had resulted in a goal. We created chances at 2-1, but in football, you have to accept the consequences.”