Chelsea maintained their European charge with a fourth successive win on Wednesday, beating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at the Amex Stadium.
Cole Palmer’s excellent header – his 22nd Premier League goal of a fine debut campaign – put the Blues ahead, and Christopher Nkunku gave Chelsea breathing room in the second half.
Chelsea captain Reece James was sent off for kicking out at Joao Pedro late on, and Danny Welbeck halved the arrears in stoppage time, but the visitors held on and climbed to sixth above Newcastle United, who lost 3-2 at Manchester United.
A draw or win against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday would ensure the Blues keep that spot and qualify for Europe. Fifth place remains a possibility but would require Tottenham Hotspur to lose at bottom club Sheffield United.
