Your Ultimate Guide to the Fourth-Round Thriller at the Amex Stadium
The FA Cup, the world’s oldest football competition, continues to captivate fans with its magic, and the 2024/25 season is no exception. In a highly anticipated fourth-round showdown, Brighton & Hove Albion hosted Chelsea at the Amex Stadium on February 8, 2025, in a match filled with drama, goals, and high stakes. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the action, team dynamics, and what this result means for both clubs.
The Build-Up: A Clash of Ambition and Redemption
The FA Cup’s Rich Legacy
This season marks the 144th edition of the FA Cup, a tournament steeped in history where underdogs and giants alike compete for glory. Manchester United are the reigning champions after defeating rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the 2024 final, but this year’s competition has seen fresh contenders emerge. Clubs like Newcastle United, Everton, and Chelsea—all seeking to end trophy droughts—are eager to carve their names into the annals of the sport 36.
Brighton’s Rocky Road
Brighton entered this match reeling from a disastrous 7-0 Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest just days earlier. Manager Fabian Hurzeler publicly apologized for the performance and demanded a reaction, calling this FA Cup tie a "do-or-die" moment for his squad 47. The Seagulls had shown promise earlier in the tournament, thrashing Norwich City 4-0 in the third round, with Georginio Rutter netting a brace 1. However, injuries to key midfielders Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari threatened to disrupt their rhythm 5.
Chelsea’s Resurgence
Chelsea, meanwhile, arrived with momentum. A 5-0 third-round victory over Morecambe—featuring a double from defender Tosin Adarabioyo—highlighted their attacking depth 1. Despite a mid-season slump, the Blues had won three of their last five matches, and manager Enzo Maresca emphasized his commitment to fielding a "strong team" for cup fixtures 46. However, injuries to Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, and suspended winger Mykhailo Mudryk tested their squad depth 6.
Key Players to Watch
Brighton’s Danger Men
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Georginio Rutter: The forward’s clinical finishing, showcased in the Norwich win, made him a constant threat.
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Kaoru Mitoma: The Japanese winger’s pace and creativity were critical for breaking down Chelsea’s defense.
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Bart Verbruggen: The goalkeeper’s form was under scrutiny after recent errors, including a costly own goal in this match 47.
Chelsea’s Star Performers
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Cole Palmer: The playmaker led Europe’s top leagues in chances created since December but lacked assists due to poor finishing 4.
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Christopher Nkunku: With João Felix departed, Nkunku’s role as a false nine became pivotal 6.
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Tosin Adarabioyo: The center-back’s aerial prowess and goal-scoring ability made him a set-piece threat 1.
Live Match Coverage: Goals, Drama, and Turning Points
Kick-Off and Early Pressure
Chelsea dominated the opening minutes, with Cole Palmer testing Verbruggen from long range. The Brighton keeper’s shaky clearance in the 5th minute led to an own goal, handing Chelsea an early lead 78.
Brighton’s Instant Response
The Seagulls equalized just seven minutes later. Joel Veltman’s pinpoint cross found Rutter, who outmaneuvered Chelsea’s defense to head home 78. The Amex erupted, setting the stage for a frenetic battle.
First-Half Flashpoints
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27’: Veltman received a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Marc Cucurella, igniting tensions 7.
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20’: Georginio Rutter was booked for a late tackle on Moisés Caicedo, balancing the yellow card count 7.
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15’: Chelsea’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall earned a caution, limiting his aggression for the remainder of the match 7.
Second-Half Stalemate
Both teams struggled to break the deadlock after halftime. Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh missed a golden opportunity in the 22nd minute, while Chelsea’s Pedro Neto dueled fiercely with Tariq Lamptey on the wings 7.
Tactical Analysis: Where the Match Was Won (and Lost)
Brighton’s High-Risk Strategy
Hurzeler opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation, prioritizing midfield control through Baleba and O’Riley. However, defensive lapses—particularly from Verbruggen and Veltman—nearly cost them the game 57.
Chelsea’s Rotational Approach
Maresca rotated his squad, resting Reece James for Malo Gusto and starting Robert Sanchez in goal over Filip Jorgensen. While this preserved energy for their upcoming Premier League rematch, it disrupted defensive cohesion 46.
How to Watch the FA Cup: Global Streaming Guide
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India: Sony Sports Network (TV), Sony LIV (streaming) 1.
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United States: ESPN+ (exclusive streaming) 56.
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United Kingdom: ITV 4 and ITX (TV and streaming) 6.
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Kick-Off Times:
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3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT (U.S.)
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8:00 PM GMT (UK)
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1:30 AM IST (India, next day) 15.
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Post-Match Reactions and Implications
Manager Quotes
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Fabian Hurzeler: “We showed character today. The fans were our 12th man, and we’ll carry this energy into the Premier League clash.” 4.
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Enzo Maresca: “We controlled large periods but lacked precision. We’ll review and improve.” 6.
What’s Next?
The two teams face each other again on February 15
in the Premier League, adding urgency to this result. For the FA Cup, the
winner advances to the fifth round, inching closer to a potential Wembley
final 7.
FAQs
1. Where can I watch Brighton vs Chelsea replays?
Highlights are available on BBC Sport and ESPN+ 810.
2. Who scored for Brighton against Chelsea?
Georginio Rutter headed in the equalizer, his third FA Cup goal this season 78.
3. Is Chelsea’s Cole Palmer injured?
Palmer completed the match and remains fit for their next fixture 7.
4. What are Chelsea’s chances of winning the FA Cup?
Bookmakers favor Chelsea due to their depth, but Brighton’s resilience makes them a dark horse 56.
Conclusion: A Night of FA Cup Magic
The Brighton vs Chelsea clash encapsulated the FA Cup’s unpredictability. From Verbruggen’s own goal to Rutter’s heroics, this match had it all. As both teams regroup for their Premier League rematch, fans can relive every moment through highlights and analysis. Stay tuned for more updates on their quests for silverware!
