Brighton & Hove Albion came from a goal down to book their spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 triumph over Chelsea at the Amex Stadium.
The visitors took the lead after just five minutes when Jadon Sancho found Cole Palmer in space down the left-hand side and Palmer's effort was fumbled into the net by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The Seagulls responded quickly, as Georginio Rutter got on the end of Joel Veltman's cross to head home an equaliser just seven minutes later.
Kaoru Mitoma netted what proved to be the winner in the second half, though the goal was controversial, as the visitors felt that there was at least one handball in the build-up to the goal.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Iconsport
After the opening 12 minutes, this game looked set to be one of the most entertaining clashes of the weekend, with both sides finding the net and looking up for the game.
Chelsea's goal was gifted to them after an error from Verbruggen in goal, but other than that they lacked quality going forward and rarely troubled the goalkeeper again.
The Seagulls looked sharper throughout and were worthy winners on the night, although there was certainly a degree of fortune about their winner.
If VAR had been in use for this clash, then it would have almost certainly been disallowed - but the Seagulls will not care, as they are through to the next round of the cup.
The visitors will be unhappy about the nature of Brighton's winner and now their only hopes of silverware this season rest on how they perform in the Europa Conference League.
BRIGHTON VS. CHELSEA HIGHLIGHTS
Bart Verbruggen own goal vs. Brighton (5th min, Brighton 0-1 Chelsea)
An absolute nightmare from Bart Verbruggen in goal 😐
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 8, 2025
Cole Palmer puts it towards goal but the keeper spills it in! @ChelseaFC | @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/d4vruyqWK3
A bit of a howler here from Verbruggen, as Chelsea have been gifted an early lead in this cup tie!
It is unclear whether Palmer meant that, as he has scored from a difficult angle, but his effort was enough to cause the goalkeeper problems, and this will go down as an own goal.
Georginio Rutter vs. Chelsea (12th min, Brighton 1-1 Chelsea)
It's another FA Cup goal for Georginio Rutter! ⚽
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 8, 2025
A brilliant header to bring Brighton level @OfficialBHAFC | @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/v2lHYLPAGW
A quick response from the hosts!
Rutter gets his head on the end of a fine cross from Veltman to level up the game - a fast start from both sides here!
Kaoru Mitoma vs. Chelsea (57th min, Brighton 2-1 Chelsea)
Kaoru Mitoma dinks it in! 👏
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 8, 2025
Chelsea claim handball but the goal stands for Brighton@OfficialBHAFC | @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/o8O5nf60dH
Chelsea are not happy with this, as they feel that there was a handball in the build-up by Tariq Lamptey and possibly also another one from the goalscorer Mitoma.
Mitoma flicked the ball past Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal, and with no VAR available at this stage of the cup, Brighton have the lead!
MAN OF THE MATCH - KAORU MITOMA
© Iconsport
Mitoma was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in the winter window, but Brighton were determined to keep hold of their Japanese star.
He proved his value tonight by grabbing the winner against the Blues, and he put in a good shift for the hosts as they were worthy winners on the night.
BRIGHTON VS. CHELSEA MATCH STATS
Possession: Brighton 43%-57% Chelsea
Shots: Brighton 6-7 Chelsea
Shots on target: Brighton 3-1 Chelsea
Corners: Brighton 4-3 Chelsea
Fouls: Brighton 8-3 Chelsea
BEST STATS
Five goals for Rutter in his last six appearances with that equaliser, 1-1. #BHAFC #BHACHE #EmiratesFACup
— Andy Naylor (@AndyNaylorBHAFC) February 8, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
These two teams will meet again very soon, as they clash at the same venue in the Premier League on Friday evening.
Chelsea will look to get their revenge on Brighton, as they continue their push for Champions League football next season.
Tom Humphrey
