Maresca frustrated after Chelsea loss to Brighton
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes that it was his side’s own mistakes which cost it as it lost 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.
Chelsea started positively, going into the break with a 1-0 lead after Enzo Fernandez’s header at the back post, via a deflected cross from Reece James.
However, the momentum of the game changed early in the second half when Trevoh Chalobah was sent off by referee Simon Hooper after a challenge on Diego Gomez.
Danny Welbeck's leveller was followed up by a stoppage-time goal from Maxim De Cuyper, who headed Brighton in front before Welbeck made sure in the 100th minute with his second of the game.
The result leaves Chelsea winless in the Premier League in its past three games, having suffered a home Premier League defeat by two or more goals after leading at half-time for the first time since October 2011, when it lost 5-3 to Arsenal.
“It's a tough one because we were in control of the game. We didn't concede nothing. We had so many shots first-half, 70 per cent possession, everything was fine. Because of our mistake, the game changed," Maresca said.
“I didn’t watch it back. If they decide it’s a red card, it’s probably a red card.
"We were defending quite well until the 1-1.
"You can always do something better, I think we could have scored a second in the first-half with the amount of chances we had. I think we can do both better, both offesince and defensive."
Meanwhile, Fabian Hurzeler was more positive with his side's performance, having won six points from losing positions this season, more than any other team.
“I think in the first minutes we suffered, then we conceded the goal and started playing football. We created chances, we were better out of possession. After we conceded the goal we played okay," the Seagulls boss said.
“Sometimes, when you are one man up it gets more and more difficult because the other team only tries to defend. We stayed patient, we stayed clam, we played from left to right, we opened the gaps, and we had some good moments.”
