Enzo Maresca explains defensive substitutes vs Brighton

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided an explanation for the defensive substitutes against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.

The Blues took an early advantage against the Seagulls at Stamford Bridge and were deservedly ahead at the interval. However, the scenario changed in the second half as Trevoh Chalobah received a straight red card.

Chelsea went on the backfoot thereafter. Brighton capitalised to score the equaliser before adding two more goals in stoppage time.

Speaking after the game, Maresca explained the defensive substitutes. He clarified that Josh Acheampong's entry for Andrey Santos was influenced by the sending off.

He added that he wanted to provide more protection for Reece James against Yankuba Minteh, which contributed to Malo Gusto being introduced in the second half.

Maresca concluded that Benoit Badiashile was introduced as Jorrel Hato could not continue due to cramp. The Dutchman was asking for a change.

He said: "We did the first change that was Josh for Andrey after the red card.

"Then the reason why Malo came on was because Minteh was one-v-one with Reece so we tried to give Reece some help.

"The last change, Jorrel had cramp and was asking for a change."