Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato reflected on the turning point in his side’s 3-1 loss to Brighton, insisting the red card changed the game’s momentum and made it “very difficult” to hold off the Seagulls.
The Blues had led through Enzo Fernández’s first-half strike and looked in control before Trevoh Chalobah’s dismissal left them a man down with over 40 minutes to play. Brighton capitalised late on with Danny Welbeck scoring twice and Maxim De Cuyper adding a third in stoppage time.
Speaking to Premier League Productions after the match, Hato explained: “I think for everyone in the first half we were playing good, we dominate them. Scored a good goal and second half after 10 minutes we concede a red card. After that we know it could be difficult.”
Hato on the red card and Brighton goals
The Dutch defender felt the red card decision was harsh but admitted Chelsea struggled to cope with Brighton’s pressure once reduced to ten men. “For me it looks like Trevoh was playing the ball. I have to see it back again, I don’t know. When you’re 10 men against 11 for 40 minutes it’s big,” he said.
On Welbeck’s first goal, Hato conceded his team could have defended better. “We knew they were playing to the side and coming with crosses. I’d have to see the goal back as well but we could have done better.”
Playing alongside Josh Acheampong
Hato also highlighted the positive of playing alongside young teammate Josh Acheampong. “I’ve known him for a long time. We’re the same age and he’s a very intelligent player. It was nice to play with him,” he said.
Jorrel Hato match stats vs Brighton
| Stat | Jorrel Hato |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 79′ |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Clearances | 0 |
| Blocked shots | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Total tackles | 1 |
| Ground duels (won) | 2 (2) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 1 (1) |
| Possession lost | 9 |
| Accurate passes | 46/55 (84%) |
source: sofascore player data – 27 September 2025
Despite limited defensive numbers, Hato delivered a tidy display in possession, completing 84% of his passes and winning all three duels. However, Chelsea’s collapse late on overshadowed his contributions.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Chelsea’s defeat underlines their fragility when facing adversity. “Hato is right to point out the impact of the red card, but elite sides must find ways to adapt. Brighton sensed weakness and punished them. The late goals show this Chelsea team is still learning how to close games under pressure.”
William added: “For Hato, the positives are his composure on the ball and connection with Acheampong. These young defenders are valuable for Chelsea’s future, but they need experience alongside them to handle big moments.”
Key insights
- Jorrel Hato admits Chelsea’s red card was decisive in 3-1 loss.
- Brighton scored three late goals through Welbeck (2) and De Cuyper.
- Hato impressed in duels (100% success rate) and accurate passing (84%).
- He praised young teammate Josh Acheampong as “very intelligent.”
- Analyst warns Chelsea must learn to adapt when reduced to ten men.
What’s next for Chelsea?
The defeat piles pressure on Chelsea to respond in their upcoming fixtures. With questions mounting over defensive discipline and game management, manager and players alike must show resilience to avoid slipping further behind in the table.
For Hato, the partnership with Acheampong could be one of the few positives to take away, but as Brighton showed, raw potential is not yet enough to win matches at Premier League level.
👉 Can Chelsea’s young defenders like Jorrel Hato and Josh Acheampong grow quickly enough to help steady the club’s fragile back line?
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