The Blues were in a relatively comfortable position until Conor Gallagher’s sending off towards the end of the first half. That moment changed the course of the game.
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Chelsea had to dig deep to get the three points against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday. The Blues were in a relatively comfortable position until Conor Gallagher’s sending off towards the end of the first half. That moment changed the course of the game. However, the Blues stuck together and grinded out a narrow 3-2 win – a much-needed three points for the home side. In the end, there were plenty of positives for the hosts to take from the game.
What Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino liked the most was the fighting spirit shown by his players despite going a man down against Brighton in the exciting Premier League contest. “We are a young team with young players and we need to improve. We need to learn that the Premier League is the best league and we have many players that need to believe and feel that they play in the Premier League. During this period, after Newcastle when we didn’t show our true selves, we wanted to play well, we wanted to show that we care and win the game,” Pochettino, quoted on the club’s website, said after the match.
He added: “The team was really good, I feel very proud because Newcastle was tough and then again Brighton is always difficult to play and in the first 25 minutes we scored twice and were controlling the game. We were a little bit flat when we conceded at the end of the first half. In the second half and then Gallagher was sent off. It wasn’t a red card, but that is my opinion, maybe I am wrong.”
Pochettino was extremely delighted with the character shown by the team to see out the game despite the difficult circumstances they found themselves in. He believes this will only improve them going forward. “I am so proud of the players and the character they showed. I told them at half-time I was happy because it was a great opportunity for us, a massive challenge. We needed to show that we are a team. That is something that for sure will improve us,” he explained.
He added: “It’s not only about building the way you want to play and the philosophy on the pitch. Before that you need to feel that you belong to the team, you need to belong to the club, you need to settle yourself, you need to grow, you need to get experience. There are many things before you can talk about going and playing out from back, or playing with three or four offensive players, or three or four at the back. That is coming after.”
The Chelsea manager believed this was a much-needed challenge for his side in order to help them understand that they have to “behave like a team.” “Most importantly, I think we needed this type of game that challenged us and the opportunity to understand that we need to be a team and behave like a team out there. I am pleased for that and of course we are going to improve because we have very talented players,” he elaborated.
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