Chelsea put in a much-improved performance against Brighton last night to put themselves back in contention for a top-four finish.
Goals from Olivier Giroud, Eden Hazard and Ruben Loftus-Cheek sewed up a comfortable 3-0 win, moving the Blues level on points with Arsenal in fourth.
Manager Maurizio Sarri made seven changes to the side that struggled against Cardiff on Sunday, with Callum Hudson-Odoi getting his first Premier League start.
After the game, Sarri praised the young players and the fans for their role in clinching the three points:
“They are at the moment very important players, but their potential is higher, so in the future they can become top players. For this team the future could be good.”
“The atmosphere in Stamford Bridge was wonderful today. The fans helped the players for 90 minutes. It’s easier when you win 3-0, but the atmosphere was wonderful and we have to say thank you to our fans for that.”
Fans on Twitter have called on Sarri to continue playing the likes of Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi and Andreas Christensen:
we told you so ! officer better get creative with the younger or get outta the bridge . that simple
— allweather (@Homey_el) 4 April 2019
He listened and we backed him. He should just try ti be unpredictable and versatile in his tactics and substitutions
— Amechi Ofozor (@baronescobar) 4 April 2019
The same starting line-up next match please.
— Khulekani Christian (@KhulekaniMj) 4 April 2019
That’s what happens when u listen to us and play the best players
— BenDJ (@BenDJ35) 4 April 2019
Still not good enough for chelsea
— ” (@SarriOut_) 4 April 2019
Rotation is very important in football, now rudiger, Alonso, Barkley, Pedro and willian will see this as a competition for them.. plus rotation brings freshness and less fatigue. let’s keep pushing for the top 4 finish.
— Heart of St John (@HeartofStJohn1) 4 April 2019
Keep playing this team and we might even build you a statue!
— My Chelsea (@MyChelsea1905) 4 April 2019
Yeah because he got the team right for once
— Simon (@EvilSimonnn) 4 April 2019
Keep playing the young blood
— Stilaz Exclusive 17 (@PanasheNdarubva) 4 April 2019
Thats what happens when u play CHO @Calteck10 ??
— Mishari A. (@MSHMSH20167) 4 April 2019
There will be bigger tests than Brighton coming up for Chelsea. They have West Ham at home on Monday night, before travelling to play Slavia Prague in the Europa League.
Sarri’s men then make the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool while they will also play Manchester United before the end of the month.
