In an exhilarating pre-season friendly clash, Chelsea secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Brighton Hove Albion. The thrilling match unfolded in Philadelphia as part of the Premier League Summer Series, drawing fans into an intense display of football prowess.
Winger Mykhailo Mudryk and summer signing Nicholas Jackson made an immediate impact, scoring their debut goals in a Chelsea shirt. Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku and Connor Gallagher continued their impressive scoring form, following up from their recent 5-0 triumph against Wrexham AFC.
Brighton initiated the scoring with Danny Welbeck finding the net in the 13th minute, but their lead was swiftly countered by Nkunku’s strike just six minutes later. The teams entered halftime level at 1-1, setting the stage for a thrilling and high-scoring second half.
The game’s dynamics shifted 15 minutes into the second half when the Seagulls were reduced to 10 men due to Jan Paul van Hecke’s double yellow card. Mudryk’s memorable moment arrived in the 65th minute as he connected brilliantly with Jackson to launch a powerful long-range shot past the Brighton goalkeeper, securing his first goal for Chelsea.
Jackson’s impact didn’t end there, as he provided a crucial assist in the 72nd minute, setting up Gallagher to extend Chelsea’s lead to 3-1. Demonstrating his versatility, Jackson then turned scorer, notching Chelsea’s fourth goal just four minutes later.
Despite Brighton’s valiant efforts, including Joao Pedro’s penalty goal in the 79th minute and Deniz Undav’s late strike, the clock ran out on their comeback aspirations. Chelsea emerged as triumphant 4-3 victors after full-time, marking another chapter in their competitive history with Brighton.
The match showcased Chelsea’s offensive prowess under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, leaving fans eager for the team’s upcoming performances in the English Premier League. The victory reflects the team’s improvements from the previous season, where they finished 12th in the league with 44 points from 38 matches, winning 11, drawing 11, and facing 16 losses. Chelsea’s determination to dominate the field and secure crucial wins keeps them firmly in the spotlight as they continue their football journey.
