Maresca Blames Chelsea's Discipline Issues After Brighton Defeat
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca blames team's habit of “giving away presents“ for their struggles. Chelsea to improve discipline after 3-1 defeat to Brighton.
“We are giving away presents. The red card is a big mistake because the game completely changed...”
Enzo Maresca urged Chelsea to stop “giving away presents” after their latest red card led to a shock 3-1 defeat by Brighton at Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea manager emphasized that his team's habit of making costly mistakes, particularly red cards, is hindering their progress.
Chelsea had started the match well, dominating possession and taking the lead through Enzo Fernandez's header in the 24th minute. Fernandez nodded in Reece James' cross at the far post, showcasing Chelsea's attacking prowess.
However, Trevoh Chalobah's dismissal for a poor tackle on Diego Gomez changed the game's momentum. Chalobah's red card in the 53rd minute forced Chelsea to play with 10 men, and they struggled to cope with Brighton's counter-attacks.
Brighton capitalized on Chelsea's numerical disadvantage, equalizing through Danny Welbeck's header in the 77th minute and taking the lead with Maxim De Cuyper's stoppage-time goal. Welbeck sealed the win with his second goal in the final seconds, condemning Chelsea to a 3-1 defeat.
Maresca acknowledged that Chelsea's mistakes were game-changers, emphasizing the need for his team to learn quickly and adapt to challenging situations. Chelsea now faces Liverpool on October 4, seeking to turn their season around.
Chelsea's hopes were dashed after Trevoh Chalobah's 53rd-minute red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity. The Blues struggled to cope with the numerical disadvantage and ultimately collapsed in the final stages.
Brighton seized the opportunity, with Danny Welbeck equalizing in the 77th minute. Maxim De Cuyper sealed the win with a header in stoppage time, giving Brighton a dramatic victory.
Maxim De Cuyper headed home the winner in stoppage time, left unmarked after Mats Wieffer's deflection from Yasin Ayari's cross. Danny Welbeck sealed the victory with a third goal in the final seconds, condemning Chelsea to back-to-back Premier League losses.
FT.#CFC | #CHEBHA pic.twitter.com/QQiJ8BsIAP
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 27, 2025
The defeat marked Chelsea's second successive loss, following their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend, where Robert Sanchez was sent off after just four minutes. For the second time in seven days, Chelsea's lack of discipline and poor defending left manager Maresca searching for answers.
“The message (in the dressing room) was clear,” said Maresca. “Against any team in the Premier League you cannot continue to give away presents.
“We are giving away presents. The red card is a big mistake because the game completely changed.”
Chelsea got off to a strong start, taking the lead when Moises Caicedo's pass found Reece James, whose cross was headed home by Enzo Fernandez at the far post.
However, Chalobah's red card turned the game on its head after a reckless tackle on Diego Gomez. The Blues struggled to cope with the numerical disadvantage and ultimately fell to a 3-1 defeat.
The loss dropped Chelsea to eighth place, and they were booed off by their fans at the final whistle. Their next challenge is a trip to face Premier League leaders Liverpool on October 4.
Maresca said: “It's a tough one because we were in control of the game.
“We scored one, we could have scored more. We had so many shots first half, 70 per cent of possession - everything was fine.
“Then suddenly because of our mistake, with the red card the plan completely changed. We played two games - first half, then unfortunately after the red card.
“For sure you cannot continue to make mistakes. They are big mistakes, game changing, red card against United and today.”
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