Graham Potter: Chelsea need to find a way to win without key players amid Brighton defeat

Graham Potter insists Chelsea need to find a way to win without their key players following their 4-1 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League.

The Blues were convincingly beaten on Saturday afternoon at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League. It was the first time Potter had taken on Brighton following his departure from the club in September to join Chelsea.

Things could not have started in a worse way for the west London side who conceded just five minutes into proceedings when Leandro Trossard found the back of the net.

Just nine minutes on, Ruben Loftus-Cheek had the ball in the back of the net, but unfortunately it was at the wrong end.

READ MORE: Player Ratings: Brighton 4-1 Chelsea | Premier League

Brighton players celebrating Ruben Loftus-Cheek's own goal. (Alamy)

He doubled the lead for the hosts, and before the half-time whistle came Roberto De Zerbi's team made it 3-0. This time it was Trevoh Chalobah who converted into the wrong goal.

In the second half, Chelsea started strongly and quickly got a goal thanks to Kai Havertz, but they failed to mount a comeback.

Pushing for a late goal, the Blues were caught out and Pascal Gross added yet more pain to Chelsea's day out on the south coast.

The loss ended a run of nine unbeaten games for Potter and his side following his arrival.

He shared it was a 'painful' experience for both him and the squad upon his return to take on his former club.

READ MORE: 5 Things Learned: Brighton 4-1 Chelsea | Premier League

Graham Potter at full-time following Chelsea's 4-1 defeat to Brighton. (Alamy)

After a win in midweek against RB Salzburg that Chelsea performed very well in, they would have hoped to keep their unbeaten run going.

It was an afternoon to forget for the Blues but they were without some key players. Reece James, Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante and Wesley Fofana were all unavailable.

Despite that Chelsea still had plenty of quality on the pitch and Potter has revealed it is important they step up in order to win games like this.

Following the match he said: "You need to find a way to win and perform.

"We've had a lot of games in October & for different reasons we've lost a lot key players. Reece, Koulibaly, Fofana, Kante... it's a constant challenge how to set up."

He continued: "It can be tactical or it can be the intensity of the opponent and how they did better. We will look at how they can improve."

Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Brighton And Hove Albion, Premier League, Football

Sam Collins

Contributor for Absolute Chelsea. Sports Journalism Student.

@SamCollinsSJ