Kaoru Mitoma’s second-half winner took Brighton through to the FA Cup fifth round at Chelsea’s expense, relieving Fabian Hurzeler of some burden. After losing 7-0 to Nottingham Forest last week, the Seagulls started their cup tie poorly as goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen fumbled Cole Palmer’s simple cross into his own net after five minutes.
However, Chelsea has been struggling and is losing leads. Seven minutes after Verbruggen’s early assist, Georginio Rutter headed Joel Veltman’s delightful cross beyond former Seagulls custodian Robert Sanchez.
Christopher Nkunku, playing up front with Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu injured, passed to Palmer instead of shooting when through on goal when Chelsea may have retaken the lead before halftime. He just hit the roof of the net with his header.
Brighton got their chance after the break as Rutter sent Mitoma in, making the finish even more beautiful over Sanchez. A cup tie showed Chelsea’s recklessness and lack of attacking edge. Five times since Boxing Day, they’ve led but lost. One shot on aim came after four minutes as Palmer stung Verbruggen’s gloves from distance.
