Brighton’s Danny Welbeck scored a dramatic stoppage-time purpose to disclaim Chelsea an important Premier League win on Wednesday simply as they had been poised to maneuver to inside three factors of Manchester City.
Romelu Lukaku outmuscled Neil Maupay to go residence a nook halfway via the primary half however former Manchester United and Arsenal ahead Welbeck punished the house aspect with a headed purpose on the dying.
The 1-1 draw means Thomas Tuchel’s aspect are 5 factors behind City, who will lengthen their result in eight factors in the event that they beat Brentford in Wednesday’s later kick-off.
Pep Guardiola’s males had been main 1-0 at half-time.
Lukaku began his second spell at Chelsea in fashion after coming back from Inter Milan in August however then struggled together with his type and health earlier than struggling a bout of coronavirus.
But he got here off the bench to attain in his aspect’s 3-1 victory at Aston Villa on Sunday and was rewarded with a spot within the beginning line-up at Stamford Bridge on a gentle December evening.
The 28-year-old was spectacular because the highly effective focus of Chelsea’s assault, holding the ball up properly and menacing the Brighton defence together with his bodily presence.
The residence aspect seemed extra harmful within the early phases with out creating many clear-cut openings and former Chelsea participant Tariq Lamptey was a relentless risk down the fitting for the guests.
Chelsea wing-back Reece James limped off within the twenty seventh minute with an obvious hamstring damage, to get replaced by Marcos Alonso.
They went forward instantly when Lukaku shook off the attentions of Maupay after a tussle to energy a header previous goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Brighton’s complaints had been waved away as Chelsea — for so lengthy high of the league this season — celebrated.
But Graham Potter’s aspect got here again strongly, with Edouard Mendy compelled to push away a fierce Adam Lallana drive whereas Alexis Mac Allister shot straight on the goalkeeper.
The spectacular Yves Bissouma stung the palms of Mendy early within the second half because the guests continued to hassle Chelsea.
Minutes later Callum Hudson-Odoi burst ahead from his personal half however failed to search out Mason Mount earlier than Maupay flashed huge on the different finish as the sport opened up.
It seemed as if it was going to be a well-recognized story for Brighton, who’ve struggled to attain this season, however substitute Welbeck had different concepts, heading residence Marc Cucurella’s cross within the 91st minute.
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