2019 Golden Eagles invitee unused sub; Chukwuemeka, Madueke missing as Chelsea beaten by Brighton

Chelsea are still searching for their first win under new caretaker manager Frank Lampard after they were beaten 2-1 by Brighton & Hove in a Premier League meeting at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. 

Super Eagles-eligible midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka was left out of Chelsea's matchday squad for the fourth consecutive game in all competitions, while his teammate Noni Madueke, a January signing from PSV Eindhoven, wasn't called up too.

Chukwuemeka seemingly failed a late fitness test before today's clash, he is recovering from a knock picked up in training earlier this month. 

Versatile Brighton & Hove defender Odeluga Offiah was named in Brighton & Hove's matchday squad but was a non-playing substitute 

Offiah trained with the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria in Abuja before the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup but was not selected in the squad list for the tournament in Brazil.

So much has changed since then as the highly-rated center back has received seventeen call-ups to the first team of the Seagulls, going on to make three appearances including debuts in the Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup. 

Despite a good start by Brighton, it was the Blues that took the lead in the 13th minute when Conor Gallagher's shot deflected off Dunk and into the net - their first goal in over six hours of football.

One of Brighton's two first half substitutes, Danny Welbeck restored parity in the 42nd minute.

The Seagulls had so many other opportunities to score but Kepa Arrizabalaga came to Chelsea's rescue on more than one occasion, particularly to keep out an Evan Ferguson header, but the Republic of Ireland international striker was forced off injured soon afterwards. 

Brighton & Hove were knocking on the door in the second half and deservedly took the lead in the 70th minute when Julio Enciso fired in an incredible strike from distance, and it was a goal worthy of winning any game. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com

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