Chelsea 1 Brighton & Hove Albion 1
Danny Welbeck scored a late late equaliser against Chelsea, ensuring Albion notched up a second successive point at Stamford Bridge.
It was the Albion’s first goal at the stadium since September 1910 when Brighton beat Aston Villa in that famous Charity Shield win.
Chelsea took the lead in controversial circumstances as Romelu Lukaku and Neal Maupay tussled in the penalty area. Lukaku headed home Mason Mount’s corner.
Tariq Lamptey had a chance just before this, after cutting in from the right but slicing his shot wide.
Albion had a host of chances for the rest of the first half, with Adam Lallana forcing a great save from Eduardo Mendy, as did Alexis Mac Allister. Yves Bissouma also had a good effort just off target as Albion dominated their hosts.
Albion continued to dominate early in the second half, with Jakub Moder sticking out a leg to a ball from a Solly March but seeing his flick fly just over the bar.
Adam Lallana had a chance as Jorghino made a mistake but Albion’s former England man hoisted his shot wide. The Seagulls had penned Chelsea back in their own half, Mendy making another great save as Mac Allister raced trough and unleashed a fierce drive.
Bissouma then fired in a super strike which saw Mendy excellently push the ball over.
The Seagulls were desperately trying to keep the momentum going but Chelsea were still looking to get a second and put the game to bed – Callum Hudsom-Odoi breaking clear of Dan Burn but hesitating before tying to find Mount, allowing Albion to clear.
It was end to end. Moder threaded a superb ball though to Maupay who fizzed an effort just wide with Mendy beaten.
But it was Albion’s fizz that was starting to run out. Chelsea started to increase possession, Christian Pulisic running at Joel Veltman. They tangled in the area but no penalty was given. Danny Welbeck replaced Moder for his second successive appearance from the bench after injury.
Chelsea were now back in the ascendency as Lukaku and then Mount went close for Chelsea.
As the clock ticked on into stoppage time Albion piled men forward. For the fourth time this season the Seagulls secured a late late equaliser as Cucurella lofted a cross into the area. Welbeck jumped highest to nod home.
The Albion’s first goal at Stamford Bridge in over 111 years takes the Seagulls back to 10th in the Premier League, although Charlie Webb’s effort won the Charity Shield around four years before the start of the First World War.
Albion also scored at Stamford Bridge in 1922 and 1976 when the Bridge was used as a more neutral venue.
They travel to Everton for their next match on Sunday 2 January – their first fixture of 2022.
