Chelsea fans furious with Enzo Maresca as Brighton knock Blues out of FA Cup

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Brighton knock Chelsea out of FA Cup

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 08/02/2025

- 21:53

The Blues lost 2-1 at the Amex Stadium on Saturday night

Chelsea fans have vented their fury on social media after they were sent crashing out of the FA Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Saturday night.

The Blues took the lead in the fifth minute of the match, with Bart Verbruggen bundling a cross-come-shot from Cole Palmer into his own net.


Many would have expected Brighton to fold from then on, especially given how they conceded seven against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

But the hosts levelled in the 12th minute through Georginio Rutter, with Kaoru Mitoma then scoring the winner in the second half with a brilliant raised effort over Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea Enzo Maresca Brighton

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been blasted by fans after their 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton on Saturday night

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Chelsea have made progress under Enzo Maresca this season.

However, their recent form is a worry - and fans have now vented their fury on social media after another uninspiring display.

One fan wrote: "Pathetic performance."

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A second stated: "We lost our Chels soul, trying to replicate Pep style of play. Boring, slow, predictable, back passes, no pressure on opposition goal and urgency in place. We are more concerned in playing sure-short passes than trying to create chances."

Another hit out by saying: "I don't recognise my team anymore."

A fourth said: "Sack this guy and start getting proven players this model is a f*****g joke."

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And a fifth also criticised Maresca by saying: "He is just not a right coach for Chelsea. Too many passes heading nowhere. Clueless can be understatement."

Chelsea do, however, have an immediate chance to get their revenge.

The west London giants will lock horns with Brighton in the Premier League on Friday night as they continue their push for Champions League football next season.

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Chelsea Enzo Maresca Brighton

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was powerless to prevent his side from losing to Brighton in the FA Cup on Saturday night

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While Chelsea will be frustrated by their defeat, it was a big night for Brighton.

They were widely criticised for collapsing so poorly against Nottingham Forest last weekend, with Chris Wood scoring a hat-trick to consign them to defeat.

But Brighton produced a terrific performance to go through and book their place in the fifth round of the competition.

Chelsea Brighton

Chelsea were sent crashing out of the FA Cup by Brighton with Kaoru Mitoma netting the winner

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It was fitting, too, that Mitoma got the winner.

The winger was strongly linked with a move away during the January transfer window, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr submitting a huge bid in order to secure his signature.

Yet Mitoma stayed and Brighton will be delighted. Whether they can go on a cup run, and go all the way, remains to be seen. If they play like this, however, there's certainly a chance.

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