X reacts as Chelsea survive red card & VAR chaos to beat Brighton

It wasn’t always simple for Chelsea, who appeared to be doing their utmost to invite Brighton back into the game with some poor play at the back.

First, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez let a pass slip under his studs and had to race to stop the ball crossing his line, before the Blues defence were pressed into oblivion and could have easily ceded possession three or four times.

can we stop giving the ball to sanchez his boots have bloody butter on them

— Axy ( Taylors Version ) (@chaennieXcheeks) December 3, 2023

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Then the chaos began.

Facundo Buonanotte weaved his way through the Chelsea defence and curled home an excellent goal.

Facundo Buonanotte!! Silly goal that 🔥

— D O N-C O R L E O N E🥷🏿⚱️ (@wickidest_skeng) December 3, 2023

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fairs, good goal from buonanotte

— Olly #WillSurviveChilwell (@BroadbandBanner) December 3, 2023

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Then Conor Gallagher, wearing the captain’s armband as a result of Reece James’ suspension for two yellow cards, picked up a second yellow of his own and slumped over to the tunnel shortly before half-time.

Gallagher that’s unnecessary!

— Àrákùnrín Bím (@Mista_Bim) December 3, 2023

I see Gallagher has chosen to emulate Reece James

— K1ngpin (@K1ngpin__) December 3, 2023

I see Gallagher has chosen to emulate Reece James

— K1ngpin (@K1ngpin__) December 3, 2023

Why do you make that tackle on a yellow card, Gallagher? What an idiot. Lavia can’t come back soon enough.

— Alex Lyon (@LyonAlexander) December 3, 2023

Why do you make that tackle on a yellow card, Gallagher? What an idiot. Lavia can’t come back soon enough.

— Alex Lyon (@LyonAlexander) December 3, 2023

pic.twitter.com/OB7iRI0n81

— Out of Context Football Manager (@nocontextfm1) December 3, 2023

Moises Caicedo seemed determined to join Gallagher in the dressing room. Having already picked up a yellow earlier in the game, the Ecuador international was flying into challenges and definitely unleashed at least one which was worthy of an early bath.

But against the run of play, Chelsea were handed a lifeline.

Mykhailo Mudryk led a counter attack and went racing into the box, with the ageing James Milner in pursuit. Milner appeared to simply overpower the Ukraine international but may have caught him with a dangling foot as Mudryk was already heading to ground.

No penalty was awarded initially but a VAR review ultimately prompted the official to award a spot-kick.

But against the run of play, Chelsea were handed a lifeline.

Mykhailo Mudryk led a counter attack and went racing into the box, with the ageing James Milner in pursuit. Milner appeared to simply overpower the Ukraine international but may have caught him with a dangling foot as Mudryk was already heading to ground.

No penalty was awarded initially but a VAR review ultimately prompted the official to award a spot-kick.

It wouldn’t be Chelsea if things ended smoothly, however.

Joao Pedro headed home from a corner in the second minute of ten added on at the end of things, setting up a nervy finale.

As the clocked ticked over to 100, Brighton were awarded their own penalty when Colwill was accused of handball, but an on-field review was suggested as the ball clearly struck the Chelsea’s defender’s head.

There was some uncertainty about the final decision as the crowd felt the referee had once again awarded a penalty, but ultimately, things were sorted out and Chelsea were allowed to see out the game.