Fernandez shines, Chalobah sent off, Santos mistake - Chelsea player ratings vs Brighton

Trevoh Chalobah's second-half red card proved costly for Chelsea as they threw away a one-goal lead to lose at home to Brighton.

Maxim De Cuyper’s close-range header won it for the visitors in stoppage time as the Blues paid the price for a second red card in as many Premier League games.

Chalobah was shown a straight red card after Simon Hooper went over to the pitchside monitor with the defender bringing Diego Gomez down.

Enzo Fernandez’s header on 23 minutes gave Chelsea the lead, but Danny Welbeck, on as a substitute, equalised with a close-range header.

For the second weekend in a row, a red card has cost Chelsea, with Sanchez and Chalobah being sent off in back-to-back Premier League matches.

Welbeck then made it three for Brighton even deeper into added time to compile the misery on Chelsea.

Chelsea started off positively, with Bart Verbruggen called into action twice early on to deny Enzo Fernandez and Reece James.

Verbruggen could do nothing, though, on 24 minutes when James’ deflected cross found Fernandez, who nodded the ball in at the back post.

Brighton supporters were not happy with referee Simon Hooper’s performance, and their frustration grew on 29 minutes when he got in Yasin Ayari’s way just as the Seagulls midfielder was about to pull the trigger from the edge of the box.

“You’re not fit to referee,” were some of the words being chanted to Hooper from a furious away end, and Hurzeler was equally as frustrated with the referee, with the Brighton boss taking it out on fourth official Ruebyn Ricardo.

Hurzeler did get to speak to Hooper directly at the half-time break, with the German having some choice words for the referee in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge.

The Brighton boss was again livid with Hooper after the referee waved away suggestions of a foul and a red card early in the second period.

Chalobah brought down Gomez, who was clean through on goal, but after consulting the pitchside monitor, Hooper changed his decision and showed the Chelsea defender a straight red card.

Chalobah will now miss next weekend’s crunch match with champions Liverpool through suspension, with Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana also missing due to injuries.

Josh Acheampong came on for Santos, who gave away possession that led to Chalobah’s red card, to try and see out the game for 10-man Chelsea.

However, the Seagulls kept pushing and eventually found a way through a disjointed Chelsea side.

Yankuba Minteh was a constant threat for the Seagulls and provided the assist with an inch-perfect delivery for Welbeck on 77 minutes.

Brighton found the winner in stoppage time when De Cuyper headed beyond Sanchez in a crowded penalty box.

Welbeck then produced a clever finish into the top corner as the home supporters flooded out of Stamford Bridge.

Maresca will be frustrated with how things panned out and he will also be concerned after losing yet another defender for next weekend’s home clash with Liverpool.

After a summer transfer window where the Chelsea head coach publicly asked the club to bring him another centre-back, the Italian now finds himself with just three senior options against the Reds.

Next up for Chelsea is a Champions League match against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica, where Chalobah will be available for selection.

A really disappointing afternoon for Maresca's Blues. Below, Bobby Vincent rates the Chelsea players out of 10.

Robert Sanchez - 5

Back in the side after his suspension. Shaky start with the ball at his feet. Did well, though, when crosses came in, claiming the ball at every opportunity.

Reece James - 7

Has one tipped wide in the opening 10 minutes. Gets the assist for Fernandez's goal, albeit via a hefty deflection.

Trevoh Chalobah - 3

Sent off early in the second-half. Clear foul from the Chelsea defender as Gomez ran in on the goal.

Jorrel Hato - 6

First time we've seen the Dutchman start at centre-back. Gave it away a few times when looking to pass the ball into midfield.

Marc Cucurella - 7

Cucurella had the difficult task of trying to nullify Yankuba Minteh. And while Minteh was dangerous, Cucurella did really well.

Moises Caicedo - 7

Caicedo produced a fine pass to find James, who then set up Fernandez's goal. His usual all-action self in midfield.

Andrey Santos - 4

First start in the Premier League. Played well in the first-half but he made a costly mistake early in the second. Santos gave the ball away and that led to Chalobah's red card.

Estevao Willian - 6

Back in the side. Started really brightly. Got the better of Yasin Ayari with a beautiful piece of skill on 12 minutes before seeing his shot blocked.

Enzo Fernandez - 8

A free-kick on three minutes that almost beat Bart Verbruggen. Does really well to press and win the ball back high up the pitch not too long after. Fernandez then added to his lively start by nodding the ball in at the back post on 23 minutes.

Pedro Neto - 6

On the left-hand side again. Started dangerously and had a decent opportunity midway through the first period but he dragged it wide.

Joao Pedro - 5

Up against his former club for the first time. Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke were very physical against their ex-teammate, who got on the ball only really when dropping into midfield.

Josh Acheampong (on for Santos 54') - 5

A bit unfortunate not to start, but he was brought on following Chalobah's sending off. Loses Welbeck for the goal.

Malo Gusto (on for Estevao 64') - 5

Brought on to play right wing and protect James a bit defensively. Had a great chance to counter-attack before Brighton's equaliser but chose to turn back - much to the annoyance of his manager.

Romeo Lavia (on for Neto 79') - N/A

Good to see him back. Little time to have much of an impact.

Benoit Badiashile (on for Hato 79') - N/A

See above.