London, April 21: Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by 16th place Brighton, a result that they would rue as a win would have pushed them up to third place in the EPL standings. The single point, however, did push them up to fourth place.
For Brighton, the point was an important one, as they stay in 16th place on 34 points.
Earlier, Christian Pulisichad a penalty shout waved off in the 17th minute, while Kai Havertz also had a great chance to open the scoring.
Chelsea were the more dominant side in the first half but just couldn’t seem to find a way past the visitors’ resolute defence.
Brighton substitute Adam Lallana had a chance when he fired wide of goal in the 77th minute.
Then, Danny Welbeck struck the post two minutes later to create some nerves in the Chelsea camp.
“We had a couple of chances at the end. I should have buried mine,” Lallana said after the match.
“That is what football is about – the underdogs coming here tonight. We were outstanding and should have taken three points,” he went on to add.
Brighton defender Ben White was sent off for a second yellow card in the 92nd minute, as Chelsea moved back into the top four on 55 points and ahead of West Ham United on goal difference, despite the dropped points against a relegation-threatened rival.
Chelsea are now one point behind third-placed Leicester and eleven points behind Manchester United, positioned second. (Agencies)
