Another blunder, another sending off: Chelsea reduced to ten men as Chalobah sees red.

Chelsea’s league struggles deepened as Trevoh Chalobah saw red after a VAR review. He brought down Brighton’s Diego Gomez, who was through on goal, following Andrey Santos’ poor touch and risky pass that gifted possession to Brighton attackers.

Although contact was minimal, it was enough for the referee to decide, ensuring the foul was outside the box. Unlike Robert Sanchez’s dismissal last week, this scenario left Chelsea exposed defensively in a crucial moment. Chalobah, despite being put in a difficult position, could perhaps have made a cleaner challenge to avoid punishment.

With Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and now Chalobah all sidelined, Chelsea face a defensive crisis. The Blues will now rely heavily on Josh Acheampong’s quick adaptation and Benoit Badiashile’s imminent return to steady their back line.