Mitoma’s Strike Sends Brighton Through

With the comeback triumph relieving some of the minor strain on Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler, Kaoru Mitoma’s second-half winner pushed Brighton via to the FA Cup fifth round at Chelsea’s cost.

Following their depressing 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last week, the Seagulls were in the firing line and began this cup encounter in appalling manner – with custodian Bart Verbruggen mishandling Cole Palmer’s innocent cross into his own net after five minutes.

Chelsea has lately experienced problems, though, and one of them is allowing leads to slip. Seven minutes after that early Verbruggen gift, Georginio Rutter nodded Joel Veltman’s great cross past former Seagulls custodian Robert Sanchez.

Before half-time, Chelsea could have re-taken the lead; instead, Christopher Nkunku, beginning front with Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu both sidelined, decided to pass to Palmer instead of shot on goal. The England international could only land his headed effort onto the net.

Brighton seized their opportunity following the break; Mitoma was brought in by a delicate Rutter pass, and the finish even more sensuous over the writhing Sanchez.

It was a cup tie that highlighted Chelsea’s sloppiness but also lack of cutting edge up top. They have led since Boxing Day then failed to win the game five times. Palmer stung Verbruggen’s gloves from distance, ending this game with one shot on target. It came after four minutes.