Premier League
Chelsea Withstand Brighton
Chelsea traveled to Brighton with the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. With the success that came from the Manchester City game, Sarri decided to stick with the false nine formation. The front three of Hazard, Pedro, and Willian offer flexibility with switching and additional creativity. With Morata nursing an injury, Giroud once again finds himself out of favor. Brighton have lost the last eight matches against Chelsea. With the blues dropping points to Wolverhampton, Brighton can hang their hats on hopeful possibilities. With City, Tottenham, and Liverpool all winning today dropping points would be a major setback.
Hazard Magic
Chelsea’s big win last week was keen on keeping up in the title race. Hazard as the central talisman would be key for Chelsea’s recent success. In the 17th minute Hazard’s blocked shot turns into riches for Pedro. The Belgian’s disrupted opportunity allows him recollect his touch and find Pedro on the back post for a tap in goal. Hazard would see his complementary play be rewarded in the 33rd minute. Brighton’s sloppy clearance would lead to a Willian interception where he would find Hazard to double up Chelsea’s lead with a breakaway goal. Chelsea’s front three have been clicking like a well-oiled machine throughout the entire half. The blues would take a sturdy 2-0 lead into the half.
Sedated Finish
Chelsea would see an opportunity to increases their lead in the 63rd minute. Hazard would tee up Marcos Alonso to launch a screamer that is denied by the post. Brighton would grab a goal back in the 66th minute. After a wayward cross is put back in Chelsea’s danger area, it is tapped into the back of the net by Solly March. With their two-goal lead gone, Chelsea would see their defense show signs of ambiguity. Brighton’s stubbornness would keep chances popping up while Chelsea would withstand the tide. The blues would end up out lasting the home team and capturing the three points to keep them fourth in the league.
Premier League Positioning
Chelsea continued their winning ways today with a win against Brighton today. With an Arsenal loss today, Chelsea gain a little breathing room in the top four positioning. Chelsea will be happy to see Hazard back on the score sheet with his first goal in more than two months. The blues will host Leicester City next weekend.
Photo credit to Donald Trump via Flickr
