Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler expressed immense pride in his players after they bounced back from their heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest to knock Chelsea out of the FA Cup.
Four minutes after the kickoff goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen fumbled a shot from Cole Palmer into his own net in a nightmare start for the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium on Saturday evening.
The hosts replied in short order, though, as Giorginio Rutter nodded home to level matters. The Blues were unable to create many openings, which ultimately cost them.
In the 57th minute Chelsea failed to clear their lines and Kaoru Mitoma took full advantage, lofting the ball past Robert Sanchez for a gorgeous finish and the winning goal.
Brighton boss Hurzeler ‘proud’ as magic Mitoma knocks out Chelsea
It was a much needed win for Brighton after they shipped seven goals without reply against Forest in the Premier League at the weekend.
“I was just in the locker room and I told them I’m really proud of them, how they bounced back, how they reacted after a big loss (in the last game) and the start today,” Hurzeler told ITV Sport.
“It’s not easy to come back like this especially after a big loss and also the start today.
“But we stayed calm, stayed positive and trusted the process. I’m really proud. It was good today.”
Former Chelsea player Tariq Lamptey has struggled with injuries in recent years, but the full-back put in a terrific performance to claim the Player of the Match award.
“We all know what we get from Tariq Lamptey,” Hurzeler said. “He is a great team player and put in a very good performance.”
Mitoma, meanwhile, was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League after Al-Nassr reportedly had two bids rejected for the winger. But Hurzeler is not worried about losing the Japan international in the summer. “Mitoma has shown his commitment to this club”, the German said.
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