Brighton v Chelsea: The Blues view with Absolute Chelsea

The Premier League is back already with Brighton kicking off their season against a Chelsea side who have spent an absolute fortune this summer in an attempt to try and join Liverpool and Manchester City in challenging for the title.

Much of that money has gone on attacking reinforcements, giving Frank Lampard a frightening array of firepower. In a rather bold move, he was left a defence and goalkeeper which conceded 54 times last season – more than the Albion – pretty much untouched. Watching the Blues will certainly not be dull in 2020-21.

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Chelsea fans are understandably excited about the prospect of a goal-laden campaign. Ahead of the season opener between Brighton and the Blues at the Amex, we spoke to Matt from Absolute Chelsea who talked to us about last season, this season and a young man called Tariq Lamptey.

Frank Lampard’s first season in charge at Chelsea saw the Blues finish fourth. How successful was his debut campaign in the Stamford Bridge dugout?
Going in, there was little expectation for the first season. It was excitement and building the foundations for what is a long-term project.

Having lost our star player in Eden Hazard, that was a major blow. Losing an individual who had the ability to pluck something out of nothing, in addition to not being able to replace him.

Several, including Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham, have had little to no experience in the top-flight and they’ve come into the side and held their own and beyond.

To reach an FA Cup Final, albeit losing, and to finish fourth, it was a great success. Nobody expected Chelsea to finish in the Champions League spots and come the end of the season there was disappointment that we hadn’t clinched top four prior to the final day of the season. That speaks volumes on how well Chelsea had done last year.

Chelsea have chucked a lot of money on players this summer. What does Lampard have to deliver to make the new season a success?
Chelsea have made six first team signings so far, with one heading out on loan – Malang Sarr – but they have all been necessary. What is key here is that in this window, the club have planned and eyed their first choices and got them.

They improve the squad; they haven’t been signed to boost the numbers – a fault in windows gone by. We’re in the second year of our the‘three-year plan’ now, and this year has to be comfortably top four, third as a minimum.

But most importantly, closing that gap to Liverpool and Manchester City and putting up a decent challenge. A run in the Champions League and a domestic cup win would see the 2020-21 season be a success.

Is there a concern that, other than Ben Chilwell, you have not strengthened a defence that looked pretty leaky at times in 2019-20?
Conceding 54 goals in the Premier League last season was a major concern. It was ultimately our downfall throughout the season and why so many points were dropped.

It is a concern because of how poor we were defensively last season, however the addition of an experienced centre half like Thiago Silva brings optimism that he can bring assuredness to the back line – and it shouldn’t be too difficult to improve from last season!

As well as that, there just isn’t a central defender out there of world-class quality out there on the market, particularly in this financial climate, to go out and sign. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Chelsea adopt the approach of Liverpool pre-Vigil van Dijk and Alisson this season.

Speaking of defenders, we have to talk about Tariq Lamptey. What did you make of his departure from the Bridge and have you been keeping an eye on his progress?
His departure was disappointing but acceptable. When he came on against Arsenal he changed the game, on his debut too at just 19, and it saw Chelsea clinch a vital 2-1 win.

But with the importance of Cesar Azpilicueta and the emerging talent of Reece James, it was going to be extremely difficult for Lamptey to break into first team selection.

Since lockdown having made his debut, he’s continued where he left off with Chelsea. It’s been a joy to watch him excel at Brighton and an England Under 21 call-up was thoroughly deserved. However I can’t quite see him being on the south coast for too long if he continues this form!

Chelsea swatted the Albion aside at Stamford Bridge last season before the sides drew 1-1 at the Amex with Alireza Jahanbakhsh scoring THAT overhead kick. What did you make of those two encounters?
Chelsea 2-0 Brighton was Frank Lampard’s first home win in charge. It was a relief to finally get his first home win at the fourth attempt in the league.

It was a case of a game which was extremely comfortably, and one that the scoreline could’ve and should’ve been much greater. Two second-half goals didn’t tell the full story. A flurry of chances for Ross Barkley, Pedro and Marcos Alonso to name a few should’ve seen Chelsea out of sight in the first half.

Whereas the New Years Day fixture when Brighton and Chelsea drew 1-1 at the Amex was a roles reverses situation; Chelsea were incredibly fortunate.

Kepa had a great game – couldn’t say that much last season – and Brighton got the absolute minimum that they deserved from THAT goal which was just sublime. It should’ve been one win apiece for either side last year.

Which Chelsea player should Brighton be wary of at the Amex?
Can we name more than one? If he plays, it has to be Christian Pulisic. Albeit the signings of Kai Havertz and Timo Werner are incredibly exciting, Pulisic’s form post-lockdown was nothing short of frightening.

His first season in England, considering he had several injury setbacks, to record nine goals and six assists is sensational. He brought life into the Chelsea attack; his directness and eagerness to drive with the ball to make something happen was a fundamental reason to why Chelsea made top four in the run-in. If he’s available on Monday, that’s a massive boost for us, and a downside for your Brighton

What are the weaknesses in this Chelsea team that Graham Potter should be looking to exploit?
It has to be set pieces. Chelsea inability to defend them last season, throughout and showing consistent signs of frailties was borderline embarrassing.

With Thiago Silva unlikely to play and Ben Chilwell unavailable, it will be a similar set up to last season. Hopefully Frank Lampard has worked on them during the little pre-season that we have had, but until the game comes around, the progression that we’ve made is still unclear.

Finally, what is the Absolute Chelsea prediction for Brighton v Chelsea?
Despite several injuries and Mateo Kovacic being suspended after his red card in the FA Cup Final, I think Chelsea will come away with a win on Monday.

The attacking prowess that Chelsea hold within their ranks of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic – who is expected to play – I can’t see Brighton keeping us at bay.

However, I expect Brighton to score considering the backline will be of a similar look to last season. Brighton 1-3 Chelsea.

Thanks to Matt for taking the time to speak to us. To see what he makes of Brighton v Chelsea at the Amex, you can follow Absolute Chelsea on Twitter.

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