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.
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.
Brighton took their chance after the break, as Mitoma was played in by a lovely Rutter pass and he finished brilliantly past Sanchez.
Chelsea’s lack of killer instinct was clear and they ended this game with just one shot on target.
Brighton held on to record a famous win and move into the 5th round.
