Mauricio Pochettino’s team initially dominated with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill, but a goal from Facundo Buonanotte for Brighton narrowed the gap. The match’s dynamics shifted further as Gallagher received a second yellow card before half-time.

 Although Fernandez extended Chelsea’s lead with a penalty, Joao Pedro’s stoppage-time goal added pressure. In an intense turn of events, Brighton was initially awarded a penalty in the 101st minute, but the referee reversed the decision after reviewing the incident, allowing Chelsea to hold on for the win.

 Pochettino acknowledged the competitiveness of the league, expressing satisfaction with his team’s performance.

“Crazy — it’s the most competitive league,” said Pochettino.

“The team is tired, we are all tired but overall happy,” he added. “After Newcastle (a 4-1 defeat), we needed to show a different face. That’s why I’m happy.”

In another match, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins rescued a point with a 90th-minute header against Bournemouth after Leon Bailey and Dominic Solanke had traded goals earlier.

Meanwhile, at the London Stadium, West Ham took the lead with Mohammed Kudus’s first-half goal, but Crystal Palace’s Odsonne Edouard equalized in the second period, resulting in a 1-1 draw.