Frank Lampard's Chelsea homecoming went disastrously wrong as his side slipped to a third defeat in as many games, losing 2-1 to high-flying Brighton.
Brighton ensured Frank Lampard did not enjoy his return to the Stamford Bridge dugout, coming from behind to deservedly beat Chelsea courtesy of a screamer from Julio Enciso.
The hosts took the lead against the run of play when Conor Gallagher's strike took a huge deflection and looped over Robert Sanchez inside 15 minutes, but Brighton finally converted one of a host of chances as they equalised through a Danny Welbeck header before the break.
Enciso made himself the hero for the Seagulls, firing an absolute rocket into the top corner with 20 minutes left on the clock to seal the win for Roberto De Zerbi's side, and another damaging defeat for Lampard's.
Here are GOAL's Chelsea player ratings from Stamford Bridge…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (7/10):
His selection came into question in the build-up, but showed his worth with sublime saves from Mitoma and Ferguson. Could do nothing to stop Enciso's rocket.
Trevoh Chalobah (4/10):
Given a torrid time by Mitoma from the first whistle and caught under the ball as Welbeck headed the leveller.
Wesley Fofana (5/10):
Another defender who was beaten by Welbeck. Not at his best and hooked with Tuesday in mind.
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Benoit Badiashile (5/10):
Looked short of match action and was loose in possession. His poor clearance led to the equaliser, although eventually found his feet.
Ben Chilwell (5/10):
Cut a frustrated figure and was tested by in-form Solly March down his flank, with the winger crossing for Brighton's leveller.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Conor Gallagher (6/10):
What's that saying about not buying a ticket? An extremely lucky goal, but he'll take it. Worked hard, but ultimately to no avail, given the end result.
Enzo Fernandez (6/10):
Launched the attack that led to the opener but didn't have too much influence before going off.
Denis Zakaria (4/10):
Lost in the midfield battle, barely seeing the ball and chasing shadows for most of the afternoon.
Getty ImagesAttack
Christian Pulisic (4/10):
Hit the post with a stooping header but largely kept quiet as he continuously ran down cul-de-sacs. Could've easily given away a penalty for handball. Subbed before the hour mark.
Raheem Sterling (3/10):
Isolated as the so-called 'striker' in Lampard's 4-3-3. The long balls up to him didn't help, but not his finest hour (or 55 minutes, before being subbed).
Mykhailo Mudryk (6/10):
Started brightly and was rewarded as his driving run and cute reverse pass teed up the opener. Had the best of few Chelsea chances after the break.
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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Mateo Kovacic (6/10):
Added a bit of bite to the Chelsea midfield.
Hakim Ziyech (6/10):
More involved than Pulisic was but still struggled to make an impact.
Reece James (6/10):
Got into some excellent attacking positions but couldn't provide the crucial moment.
Joao Felix (5/10):
Another ineffective display despite looking dangerous on the ball.
Mason Mount (5/10):
Still doesn't look fully fit and struggled to help the cause.
Frank Lampard (3/10):
His team selection raised eyebrows and it ultimately backfired horribly. Three defeats on the spin and a huge Champions League quarter-final second leg to come. It's not looking good.