Alireza Jahanbakhsh netted a stunning late equaliser to deny Frank Lampard’s Chelsea another away success.
The Blues had won seven of their 10 Premier League fixtures on the road this term coming into the clash on the south coast, compared to just four of 10 on home soil.
Midfielder Jorginho admitted this week that they have found playing on the road easier than at Stamford Bridge and they looked en route to another win after Cesar Azpilicueta scored the first Premier League goal of 2020.
The Spaniard celebrated his 100th start as Chelsea captain with the opening goal, guiding the ball home from close range in the 10th minute after Tammy Abraham’s shot was blocked near the goal line by Aaron Mooy following a corner.
But Jahanbakhsh scored with a brilliant bicycle kick in the second half to end Brighton’s run of nine straight league defeats by Chelsea stretching back to 1983.
(Image: 2020 Getty Images)
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Lampard’s side were left to rue the missed chance to seal back-to-back league wins for the first time since November.
But it was no less than Brighton deserved, having tested Kepa Arrizabalaga regularly during the second period.
The pick of the world’s most expensive goalkeeper’s saves came from substitute Aaron Connolly, who turned and shot from close range, while he also produced fine stops to deny Leandro Trossard and Neal Maupay.
He could do nothing about Jahanbakhsh’s outstanding effort however.
“We worked hard, showed great character and got exactly what we deserved with a great goal,” declared Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk.
Speaking on BT Sport, Jahanbakhsh said: “Obviously it’s a great feeling to be involved in such important games. I’ve been working hard to get my chance and finally in the last games I’ve tried to help the team.
“I can’t describe how happy I am. It’s been very, very tough times for me, but I’ve tried to keep my (spirits) high. I had a good feeling before the game, I’ve been training well the last games and when I came on I had a feeling I could have an impact.
“When ‘Dunky’ (Lewis Dunk) gave me the ball, I just tried to hit it as hard as possible and the only way was the bicycle kick and I’ve done it and it got it in the right direction.
“For me it’s the best goal of my career.”
The point extends fourth-placed Chelsea’s advantage over Manchester United in fifth to five points.
Brighton move up a place to 13th, above Burnley on goal difference.
