Kaoru Mitoma's second-half winner sends Brighton through to FA Cup fifth round

Feb 8, 2025 - 22:42

Kaoru Mitoma celebrates his second-half winner

Kaoru Mitoma's second-half winner sent Brighton through to the FA Cup fifth round at Chelsea's expense, with the comeback victory easing the slight pressure on Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler.

The Seagulls were in the firing line after their dismal 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last week and started this cup tie in horrific fashion - with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen fumbling Cole Palmer's harmless cross into his own net after five minutes.

But Chelsea have had their issues recently and one of them is letting leads slip. They were pegged back seven minutes after that early Verbruggen gift as Georginio Rutter nodded Joel Veltman's delicious cross past former Seagulls goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea could have re-taken the lead before half-time but Christopher Nkunku - starting up front with Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu both injured - chose to pass to Palmer instead of shoot when through on goal. The England international could only put his headed effort onto the roof of the net.

Brighton took their chance after the break, as Mitoma was played in by a delicate Rutter pass - the finish even more sumptuous over the flailing Sanchez.

It was a cup tie which exposed Chelsea's carelessness but also lack of cutting edge up top. Since Boxing Day, they have taken the lead then failed to win the game on five occasions.

They also ended this game with one shot on target - it came after four minutes when Palmer stung Verbruggen's gloves from distance.

Brighton, meanwhile, move into Monday's fifth-round draw ending their mini-slump of back-to-back Premier League defeats - though Chelsea can get revenge next week, as these two are reunited on Valentine's Day.

Source: Sky Sports