15 April 2023 , 15:57
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Frank Lampard 's Chelsea homecoming was ruined by Brighton as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afernoon.
The Blues enjoyed a perfect start through Conor Gallagher. The academy graduate's first-time effort from the edge of the area took a touch off of Lewis Dunk and looped over Robert Sanchez in the Brighton goal.
Danny Welbeck headed home a deserved equaliser for the Seagulls shortly before the break. After a whole host of chances, Julio Enciso fired home a stunning goal with 20 minutes remaining to secure another memorable victory for Roberto De Zerbi's side.
Here are all of the key talking points from Stamford Bridge:
Goal drought finally over
Much has been made of Chelsea's lack of goals this season. Indeed, ahead of their clash with Brighton, they had only scored 29 Premier League goals. They had also not managed to find the net in any of their last four matches in all competitions.
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There wasn't a lot for him to get excited about against Brighton but Lampard will be relieved at the very least that the Blues' long wait for a goal is finally over - albeit in fortuitous circumstances as Gallagher's long-range effort took a wicked deflection.
Ahead of a key part of the season with a battle for a Europe and their second-leg against Real Madrid to come, the Blues will certainly hope to keep their shooting boots on.
Conor Gallagher celebrates opening the scoring vs Brighton (Getty Images) What went wrong for Chelsea against Brighton? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Gallagher issues transfer reminder
Before Saturday's clash with Brighton, opening goalscorer Gallagher was linked with a move away from Chelsea. Premier League rivals Liverpool had been credited with an interest in him, the Reds potentially aiming to take advantage of any FFP worries to add to their midfield options.
It has been suggested that Gallagher would be among a clutch of players that could be sold. However, the Blues may want to keep hold of him based off of this showing. Away from his goal, the midfielder was full of energy and a combativeness that has been missing from Chelsea displays over recent months.
Welbeck makes instant impact
Whilst Gallagher's opener came in fortunate circumstances, Welbeck's equaliser at Stamford Bridge came amid a bizarre situation. The former Arsenal man had been introduced as a first-half substitute for the stricken Evan Ferguson and only took a couple of minutes to find the net.
He produced an excellent header to guide home Pascal Gross' wicked, left-footed cross. Some will be forgiven for thinking Liverpool star Cody Gakpo had scored.
Welbeck was introduced as the Dutchman on Chelsea's big screens, triggering chants of "Cody Gakpo, he's one of our own" and "If Gakpo scores, we're on the pitch" from the Brighton faithful. Welbeck certainly played his part but fortunately, the away end remained in situ.
Danny Welbeck equalised shortly before half-time at Stamford Bridge (Getty Images)Kepa keeps Brighton at bay
Chelsea were awful for large swaths of Saturday afternoon's showdown and had their goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to thank for not being on the end of a heavy defeat. The Spaniard produced a series of eye-catching stops to keep the visitors at bay for the majority of the clash.
He was at first on hand to twice deny Ferguson before his withdrawal, whilst he also produced an excellent save to haly Kaoru Mitoma following a mazey run from the Japanese international. In all, Kepa produced eight stops as Brighton dominated the game.
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Stunner eventually downs Chelsea
It was always going to take something special to beat Kepa on Saturday and that is exactly what Julio Enciso came up with. Intriguingly, the Paraguayan was also introduced as a substitute for the injured Joel Veltman.
It took him slightly longer than Welbeck to have his impact but it was argiably more memorable. The 19-year-old had never scored a Premier League goal before but not that you'd have known it as he lashed in a firecracker from 25 yards.
Kepa tried his best to reach the ball, but it had found its way into the top corner long before the Spaniard could get anywhere near it. The goal was certainly befitting of securing Brighton another memorable win in what is turning out to be a gem of a season.