Chelsea avoid late Brighton scare to climb to sixth as Palmer shines again

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.

Meanwhile, Brighton, who are 10th, end the season at home to Manchester United who on the same night saw off Newcastle United 3-2 to end the home fixture of the season with a relieving win at Old Trafford.

Youngsters Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund found the net for Ten Hag’s side to secure his first win in four matches while Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall scored for the visitors.