PREM: Brighton 1-2 Chelsea

Eden Hazard the difference as Blues hold on for victory

Chelsea continued their fine record against Brighton with a 2-1 victory at the Amex Stadium to stay in touch at the top of the Premier League.

First-half goals from Pedro (17) and Eden Hazard (33), who suffered a late injury scare, sent Maurizio Sarri's side on their way to victory but Solly March pulled one back for the hosts in the 66th minute to set up a nervy finish.

Chelsea, who were forced to take Hazard off after he was caught on the ankle by Dale Stephens' late challenge, held on for all three points to stay fourth, eight points behind league leaders Liverpool.

 

Hazard was at the heart of Chelsea's brilliant first-half performance. He produced his fourth assist in as many Premier League games in the 17th minute, producing an exquisite pass across the face of goal to hand Pedro the easiest of finishes at the far post.

 

Chelsea looked to be in full control but Sarri, who warned his side against complacency when they threw away a lead to lose at Wolves, wouldn't have been happy when Mateo Kovacic's pass across the face of goal gifted possession to March. The Brighton midfielder hit the target from 25 yards but the effort had nowhere near enough power to trouble Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Hazard, who ended a seven-match league run without a goal, then got on the scoresheet, scoring his eighth of the season to double the visitors' advantage. Leon Balogun gifted possession to Willian, whose pass released Hazard and he made no mistake, wrong-footing Mat Ryan to pick out the bottom corner.

 

Marcos Alonso nearly made the points safe in the 63rd minute, striking a superb 20-yard effort against the post.

But March then set up a tense finish at the Amex, popping up in the penalty area to hook home Bernardo's knockdown.

 

The visitors, who were forced to take off Hazard after he picked up an ankle knock following Stephens' late tackle, had a scare late on when Alonso hauled down March just outside the penalty area, but the Spain international escaped with a booking, with David Luiz adjudged to have been in position to cover.

March got back to his feet to strike the resultant free-kick high over the crossbar as Chelsea held on for victory.