Tepid Blues are no match for off-field distractions
BRIGHTON
CHELSEA limped to a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Brighton last night, but it is hard to think of a time when a Premier League match was quite this overshadowed.
The Blues moved into fourth place in the table, above West Ham on goal difference, but they would have expected more than that. As for Brighton, they are now seven points clear of third-bottom Fulham, and seemingly heading towards safety.
Frankly, it was a night of staggering football developments off the pitch. Before news came through that Chelsea were to withdraw from the planned European Super League, supporters gathered to protest outside the ground.
At one stage angry fans looked to be blocking the team bus from entering Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea’s former goalkeeper, now technical director, Petr Cech appeared outside the ground to appeal for calm. But amid the madness, a match did break out.
It was not the most appealing of spectacles. Chances were at a premium in the first half, with Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic (pictured) slicing an early shot wide and Kai Havertz having an effort parried by Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
After the break, there remained little urgency but Brighton could have claimed victory with late chances.
Kurt Zouma was caught dallying on the ball and the visitors broke clear, with Adam Lallana driving wide. Danny Welbeck then curled a shot that bounced off a post, before he shot at Kepa Arrizabalaga with the rebound.
Right at the end, Blues substitute Olivier Giroud fired an effort wide. And in stoppage time, Albion’s Ben White was sent off for a second booking.