CHELSEA edged Premier League rivals Brighton in the first game of the Summer Series.
New signing Christopher Nkunku scored another goal for Chelsea after putting one past Wrexham on Wednesday. For Brighton in the first half, Danny Welbeck slotted home the opener after a perfectly executed set piece from the Seagulls.
In the final 45 minutes, it all broke open after Seagull’s defender Jan Paul van Hecke picked up his second yellow card, resulting in a sending-off.
Substitute Mykhailo Mudryk powered home a second for Chelsea with a thunderous outside-the-box shot to take the lead. Shortly after, Conor Gallagher tapped in Chelsea’s third of the night to extend the advantage. Nicolas Jackson would put on the finishing touches, scoring a fourth.
But Brighton weren’t ready to give up. After going down 4-1, they clawed back to bring the deficit down to one. It was a fantastic effort that fell just short for the Seagulls.
Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino picked up their second win of the preseason.
- Final result: Chelsea 4 Brighton 3
- UK TV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event/ NOW app
- US TV channel/ live stream: Peacock
- Chelsea team: Arrizabalaga, Gusto, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell, Santos, Gallagher, Sterling, Chukwuemka, Maatsen, Nkunku.
- Brighton team: Steele, Gross, Van Hecke, Webster, March, Gilmour, Dahoud, Hinshelwood, Lallana, Mitoma, Welbeck.
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Who does Chelsea play next?
Chelsea next plays Newcastle in the Premier League Summer Series.
The two will meet this Wednesday, July 26.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 8.15pm ET.
Chelsea fans react
Chelsea fans reacted to their Summer Series win on Twitter.
One fan said: “We are back.”
A second tweeted: “Sell Sterling asap.”
And a third asked: “Who say Chelsea can’t score goals?”
A fan in attendance said: “What an unreal night.”
It’s been a great start to the preseason for The Blues.
Goals in bunches
Through Mauricio Pochettino’s first two games as Chelsea manager, they’ve scored nine goals.
They scored five against Wrexham on Wednesday and four against Brighton today.
Last season, Brighton finished sixth in the Premier League.
It’s been a great start to Pochettino’s Chelsea career.
Pictures from Philly
Here are some pictures of Chelsea and Brighton live from Philadelphia.
Thiago Silva played just one half for ChelseaCredit: Getty The two teams combined for five goals in the second halfCredit: AP Raheem Sterling is one of Chelsea’s most talented playersCredit: Getty Final score: Chelsea 4 Brighton 3
Seven goals in game one of the Summer Series!
It was an exciting affair in the City of Brotherly Love.
Both sides went into the half even, but Chelsea broke the game open in the second half, especially after van Hecke’s red card.
Mauricio Pochettino is now 2-0 in the preseason for The Blues.
Chelsea 4 Brighton 3
90+. Brighton will need to make one last push.
There’s less than two minutes left of play.
Chelsea 4 Brighton 3
89. Brighton are now just one back!
There will be over six minutes of added time, so there’s a chance for an equalizer!
Strap in for the final few minutes.
BRIGHTON AGAIN!!!
Chelsea 4 Brighton 2
85. Chelsea are just five minutes away from their second preseason victory.
It’s been a great start so far to Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure.
Chelsea 4 Brighton 2
78. Brighton’s João Pedro puts in the penalty for their second of the night.
Pedro put it perfectly in the right corner.
Unstoppable penalty.
PENALTY FOR BRIGHTON!
Chelsea 4 Brighton 1
75. Nicolas Jackson makes a brilliant run to split the Brighton defense and he does the rest, putting it past the keeper.
Jackson was one-on-one and knew exactly what to do with it.
It’s been a great second-half showing from The Blues.
AND AGAIN!!! CHELSEA!!!!
Chelsea 3 Brighton 1
72. The man advantage is certainly taking its toll.
After the ball bounced around in the box, it found its way to Gallagher, who put it in the back of the net for the team’s third of the night.
Chelsea are cruising now.
ANOTHER FOR THE BLUES!!!
Chelsea 2 Brighton 1
68. Another water break for both sides.
Just over 20 minutes left to play in Philadelphia.
Chelsea 2 Brighton 1
65. Mykhailo Mudryk checked in just minutes ago but makes an immediate impact.
Mudryk brought the ball forward, received a pass, and blasted the ball in from outside the box.
Wonderful strike from the substitute to put Chelsea on top.
GOALLLL!!! CHELSEA!!!!!
Chelsea 1 Brighton 1
60. Brighton defender Van Hecke slid in late for a challenge, resulting in his second yellow card.
The Seagulls will play with 10 men the rest of the way.
RED CARD!!!!
Chelsea 1 Brighton 1
56. Brighton put a menacing ball across the box but skied it over the bar.
Chelsea responded instantly by driving the ball into Brighton territory.
The crowd is still loving the play from Chelsea.
Chelsea 1 Brighton 1
53. Brighton has subbed off goal-scorer Danny Welbeck.
Both sides are putting their youth to the test.
There should be plenty of fresh, young legs on the pitch.
Chelsea 1 Brighton 1
47. The birthday boy has subbed on.
It’s Marc Cucurella coming in for The Blues.
Cucurella will look to make a good impression on the Philadelphia fans.
Chelsea 1 Brighton 1
46. The second half is about to start in Philadelphia!
Both teams are making substitutions.
We’ll get 45 more minutes of action between the top Premier League sides.
It’s been a treat so far for fans in Philly.
Live from the Linc
Here are some pictures from the first half play.
It’s been a tightly contested first half in PhiladelphiaCredit: Getty Both sides entered the break tied at one a pieceCredit: Getty Ben Chilwell has been one of the better players for Chelsea in the first halfCredit: Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
