Overview

• Chelsea led through Enzo Fernandez but Trevoh Chalobah’s 53rd‑minute red card flipped the game as Brighton struck late through Maxim De Cuyper and a Danny Welbeck brace.
• Enzo Maresca warned his side must stop “giving away presents” after a second straight red card; Chelsea have collected one of the Premier League’s highest card totals in the opening weeks.
• The centre-back pool is severely depleted with Tosin Adarabioyo (calf) sidelined until after the international break, Wesley Fofana out under concussion protocol, and Levi Colwill long‑term injured.
• Maresca said Axel Disasi is not being considered for selection, further tightening options as Chalobah now faces suspension; he also defended defensive substitutions made after the red card.
• Co‑owner Behdad Eghbali and senior recruitment chiefs visited the dressing‑room area after the loss, which Maresca called routine, as pressure builds with eight points from six games before Benfica and Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge.