Chelsea's hunt for European football is on, with the all-important 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion sending them into sixth place on the Premier League table. This victory now sets up a crucial final showdown with Bournemouth, where victory will seal Chelsea's fate in European football next season.
Cole Palmer showed his class when netting his 22nd Premier League goal of the campaign and 27th across all competitions. He was joined by Christopher Nkunku with a vital goal as the Blues guided their way to their elevated league position, now three points clear of both Newcastle United and Manchester United. The breakthrough came just after the half-hour mark when Palmer showed his aerial prowess, heading in Cucurella's excellent cross and leaving Verbruggen grasping at thin air.
Chelsea could have easily doubled their lead except Lewis Dunk's resilient block kept out Palmer's shot after a slick attack down the right-hand side. An apparent late goal by Jackson from Badiashile's precise delivery was cut short by the offside flag as Chelsea were denied the comfort of a two-goal cushion going into the break.
The second half began as ferociously as the first had ended as Gusto's penetrating run ended with an assist for Nkunku, whose clinical finish doubled Chelsea's lead in the 64th minute.Brighton responded venomously as Simon Adingra rattled the woodwork, and then Danny Welbeck pounced on an inviting cross by Joao Pedro to pull one back with a finish at the near post.
As the final whistle began to approach, both sides pushed for more goals, but Chelsea's resilience ensured they held out for a vital victory in their pursuit of European football next season.
Read also | Haaland's Heroics Propel Manchester City Towards Premier League Glory
Read also | Mbappe Shines Despite PSG's 1-3 Defeat to Toulouse in Final Home Game
