Chelsea boost European hopes with win at Brighton despite Reece James’ red
Perhaps Mauricio Pochettino is onto something after all? A fourth successive victory thanks to Cole Palmer’s 27th goal of the season and another from substitute Christopher Nkunku was the latest indication that Chelsea’s road to recovery is gathering pace despite a mindless late red card for captain Reece James.
Pochettino’s side now find themselves within touching distance of securing some kind of European football for next season, with there even being a possibility of beating Tottenham to fifth spot if they can claim victory in their final match of the season against Bournemouth on Sunday. It has been a remarkable turnaround since the record 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal a few weeks ago, with Palmer and Nkunku – who celebrated his goal on only his 11th league appearance after joining for £52m in the summer by blowing up a blue balloon – giving a tantalising glimpse of what this team might someday be capable of as Roberto De Zerbi’s side were well beaten despite Danny Welbeck’s late consolation. The only negative for Pochettino was the dismissal of James 20 minutes after he had come off the bench when he kicked out at João Pedro and the incident was spotted by VAR.
