Sun Feb 09 08:36:33 UTC 2025: ## Brighton Stun Chelsea in FA Cup Thriller

**Brighton, England –** Brighton & Hove Albion pulled off a stunning FA Cup fourth-round comeback victory over Chelsea on Saturday, winning 2-1 at the Amex Stadium. The win eased pressure on Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler following a heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest the previous week.

Chelsea took an early lead through a comical own goal by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen just five minutes in, gifting Cole Palmer’s cross into his own net. However, Brighton responded swiftly, equalizing seven minutes later with Georginio Rutter heading home a cross from Joel Veltman.

The match remained tense until the second half when Kaoru Mitoma secured the victory with a brilliant finish after receiving a clever pass from Rutter. Despite dominating possession at times, Chelsea struggled to create clear-cut chances, managing only one shot on target throughout the entire game. Their failure to capitalize on their early lead highlighted a recurring problem – a recent tendency to squander leads, having now done so five times since Boxing Day. Star striker Christopher Nkunku was particularly ineffective, registering just 33 touches and failing to attempt a single shot.

Chelsea manager, whose name was not mentioned in the report, lamented his team’s inability to convert chances and win 1-0 matches, a skill he believes is crucial for top clubs. He acknowledged the difficulties of the FA Cup and expressed hope that the defeat would allow his team to focus on their Premier League and Conference League campaigns.

Hurzeler, meanwhile, praised his team’s resilience and positive attitude, highlighting their ability to bounce back from a demoralizing defeat and a shaky start to the match. He emphasized the importance of staying calm and trusting the process, indicating that the team’s potential is still yet to be consistently realised.

The victory sends Brighton into the FA Cup fifth-round draw, while Chelsea will have another opportunity for revenge when the two teams meet again in a Premier League clash on Valentine’s Day.

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