Enzo Maresca Slams ‘Game-Changing Mistakes’ After Chalobah Red Card in Chelsea’s Collapse Against Brighton

Chelsea’s early promise against Brighton unravelled into another bitterly disappointing afternoon at Stamford Bridge as Trevoh Chalobah’s red card proved the turning point in a damaging 3-1 defeat.

Enzo Fernández had given the Blues the lead with a deft header, but once Chalobah was dismissed early in the second half for bringing down Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte, the game quickly slipped beyond Chelsea’s control. Danny Welbeck struck twice and Maxim de Cuyper added another, handing Fabian Hürzeler’s side a famous win in west London.

For Chelsea, it was not just a result that stung, but the manner of it — another reminder of the fragility that continues to undermine their season.

A Bright Start Fades to Black

The afternoon began on a positive note for the hosts. Fernández, timing his run perfectly, rose to meet Reece James’ deflected cross and sent his header beyond the Brighton goalkeeper. It was a goal that reflected Chelsea’s sharpness in the opening exchanges, with Maresca’s side pressing high and moving the ball with intent.

But the momentum shifted dramatically in the 53rd minute. Chalobah, caught out by Brighton’s quick transition, brought down Buonanotte as he raced through on goal. Referee Simon Hooper initially allowed play to continue, but following a VAR review, produced the red card.

Down to ten men, Chelsea looked vulnerable. Within minutes, Brighton seized control. Welbeck equalised, then struck again with a clever finish before De Cuyper added a third late on. From being in command, Chelsea had surrendered all initiative.

Maresca’s Frustration

Speaking after the game, head coach Enzo Maresca did little to hide his frustration. “For sure, you can’t continue to make mistakes. They are game-changing mistakes,” he said. “After that, we try to adjust with Josh [Acheampong] inside after being ill for a week. Our two central defenders were Josh and Jorrel [Hato], who do not have many games in the Premier League.”

Maresca’s words reflected not only the disappointment of the defeat but also his awareness of the threadbare defensive options available to him. Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo were both absent through injury, leaving the coach to rely on teenage defenders Acheampong and Hato.

When asked about a flashpoint between Benoît Badiashile and Brighton captain Lewis Dunk, Maresca insisted he had not seen the incident. Instead, he returned to the broader theme of costly errors. “The message that we just said inside is clear: against any team in the Premier League, you cannot continue to give away presents. These are big mistakes and the game completely changed.”

Chalobah’s Absence Deepens Defensive Woes

Chalobah’s dismissal carries further consequences. The 26-year-old will now miss Chelsea’s next Premier League game against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge — a daunting fixture even without defensive absences.

With Fofana and Adarabioyo still sidelined, Maresca is likely to turn once more to youth. Acheampong, 19, could be handed his first Premier League start against Jürgen Klopp’s side, alongside Hato, also 19. It is a baptism of fire that risks exposing Chelsea’s inexperience at the back just when they need stability most.

A Stuttering Season

The defeat to Brighton leaves Chelsea with just two wins from six Premier League matches this season, alongside two draws and two defeats. It continues a pattern of inconsistency that has hampered their progress under Maresca since his appointment in the summer.

The domestic setbacks have been compounded by a poor start in Europe. Earlier this month, Chelsea lost their opening Champions League group game to Bayern Munich, leaving them already chasing qualification. A midweek Carabao Cup win over League One side Lincoln City offered temporary respite, but Saturday’s defeat was a sobering reminder of their ongoing struggles at the highest level.

Mourinho’s Return Adds Extra Edge

Next up is a fixture heavy with symbolism. Chelsea host Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday, with José Mourinho returning to Stamford Bridge for the first time as an opposition manager since 2015.

Mourinho, who won three Premier League titles during his two spells at Chelsea, remains a revered figure at the club. Appointed Benfica manager earlier this month, he has already guided the Portuguese champions to two wins and a draw from his first three games. His presence on the touchline will add an emotional undercurrent to what is already a crucial European fixture for Maresca.

For the Italian coach, it may also feel like a test of authority. Mourinho’s aura will dominate the occasion, and should Benfica leave Stamford Bridge with a result, the questions surrounding Maresca’s tenure will only grow louder.

Chelsea’s defeat to Brighton was not simply about one red card, but about a team still struggling to find resilience when faced with adversity. The dismissal of Chalobah was decisive, but so too was the inability of the remaining players to adapt and steady the game.