ANOTHER CHELSEA SLIP

     A one nil defeat to Manchester City and a victory for Liverpool over Brentford pushed the Blues into third place. Thomas Tuchel’s side were hoping to bounce back from the defeat. Their opponent, Brighton Hove Albion were hoping to build on a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

      Graham Potter made few changes to the team that scored the late equalizer last time out. Surprisingly striker Maupay and Leandro Trossard were amongst those left out of this encounter. Danny Welbeck and the ever energetic Tariq Lamptey were recalled into the team. For the guests,Mason Mount and Hudson Odoi were amongst the squad selected at the expense of Christian Pulisic and Kovacic.

       The Seagulls fans were in high spirits and voice as they collectively supported their players. Brighton were pressing very well, allowing little time for the Chelsea team to settle into their rhythm. Against the run of play, a long range effort by Hakim Ziyech which took a slight deflection off a Brighton player beating Robert Sanchez just outside the right of the box. A goal that was celebrated very little by Ziyech himself and the Chelsea players-an action that sparked alot of controversy amongst football fans.

         The second 45minutes begun just as the first half ended, Brighton managed a sustained spell of pressure within which they received a reward. Adam Webster heads his team back on level in the 60th minute.

Graham Potter made his intentions clear with an offensive change just 2 minutes after his side went on level. Maupay and Trossard were introduced in the quest to hunt home all 3 points.

         A change that proved futile as both teams held on to claim a share of the spoils. The draw keeps Chelsea in 3rd with 44 points with their position looking increasingly shaky. With Tottenham Hotspurs, Arsenal and Manchester United behind the Blues but with plenty of fixtures yet to play, the race for third is nearly on. Chelsea welcome Spurs to the Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

      Brighton’s point keeps them firmly rooted on 9th. The Seagulls travel to the King Power stadium on Sunday.

Source: Ghana / Herosportgh.com /Affanyi Maame Abena