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Palmer and Nkunku strike to edge Blues towards Europe

Palmer and Nkunku strike to edge Blues towards Europe

Chelsea are on the verge of qualifying for Europe after beating Brighton 2-1 at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League.

The Blues raced into the lead with goals from Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku, but things took a sour turn when captain Reece James was sent off late on.

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Brighton managed to pull one back in added time to put a nervous finish on the match, but they were unable to find an equaliser.

It was a match full of controversy with the Blues having a goal and a penalty disallowed on the South Coast.

Their skipper will return to the stands having just returned from injury as the West Londoners look to finish strong against Bournemouth on the final day.

How things unfolded

Chelsea were awarded an early penalty after Facundo Buonanotte slid in on Marc Cucurella, but it was quickly chalked off after replays showed the challenge was perfectly timed.

More chances came for the Blues, with Malo Gusto and Nicolas Jackson having attempts saved by Bart Verbruggen.

Not long after, they had their opener.

Cucurella found space down the left-hand side and the ex-Brighton man pulled back a cross with Palmer running onto it and looping a header past the goalkeeper.

Four consecutive #PL wins! 🤩#CFC | #BhaChe pic.twitter.com/FNbzwzN8hu

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 15, 2024

It was almost two a split second later.

Jackson headed home at the back post, but referee Michael Salisbury ruled the goal out for a push on Tariq Lamptey.

Chelsea extended their lead in the second half through the returning Nkunku, sparking extra celebrations from the away end on the South Coast.

Gusto was able to create some space on the right wing and sent a low cross in, finding the incoming Nkunku who passed home to double the lead.

There were questions over whether…


Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/brighton-1-2-chelsea-premier-league-cole-palmer/

Author : Mitch Fretton

Publish date : 2024-05-15 21:06:27

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