Reuters
[Source: Reuters]
Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku struck either side of halftime to earn Chelsea a 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, sending the London club into the final day of the Premier League season in sixth place.
Palmer turned in Marc Cucurella’s cross with a powerful header in the 34th minute to claim the 22nd league goal of his outstanding debut season and put the visitors in front at the Amex Stadium.
Nkunku side-footed home Malo Gusto’s pinpoint low cutback in the 64th minute to double Chelsea’s lead but they lost substitute Reece James to a straight red card for a petulant kick out at Joao Pedro in the 88th minute.
Danny Welbeck latched on to Pedro’s cross to snatch a goal back for the hosts in the seventh minute of stoppage time and ensure a frenetic end to the match.
Victory sent Chelsea into their final match against Bournemouth on Sunday with hope still alive of qualifying for the Europa League, despite a horrendous start to their campaign. Brighton, who are 10th, end the season at home to Manchester United.
