Morata returns and scores, Chelsea 'receives a gift' from Brighton

The Spanish striker opened the scoring as Chelsea broke through a difficult situation and won 2-0 on Boxing Day.

The duo Alonso and Morata brought joy to Chelsea on Boxing Day. Photo: Reuters.

Goals: Morata 46', Alonso 60'

Chelsea showed two faces in the match at Stamford Bridge. In the first half, Conte's players were stuck by Brighton's tight defense and when they had chances, they missed them. Midfielder Bakayoko shot wide from just three meters away while Victor Moses took a too gentle kick in a one-on-one position with goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.

Just as Chelsea fans were expecting another disappointing draw like their trip to Everton last time out, the home side came out strong in the second half. Morata made the difference with a powerful header from close range. The Spanish striker was suspended for the Everton game and made his mark on his return with his 10th Premier League goal of the season.

Morata's goal was the turning point of the game, and Chelsea enjoyed a string of dangerous chances after that. Hazard almost doubled the lead with a shot that went wide before Marcos Alonso forced Ryan into a diving save from a 25-yard free-kick. But the Spanish winger did not have to wait long to find the net, heading home a corner kick minutes later to make it 2-0.

Hazard deserved to score with a fine finish in the box before finishing past goalkeeper Ryan, but the Brighton defender was there to clear the ball off the line. Brighton created a few dangerous chances in the final minutes but they were not enough to shake Courtois' net.

Hazard dribbles past a Brighton player. Photo: AFP.

The win over Brighton helped Chelsea reduce the gap with second-placed Man Utd to one point after the "Red Devils" were held to a draw by Burnley in the same match. The gap with top-placed Man City is 13 points, although the opponent has not played Newcastle in this round.

What Chelsea showed in the first half is the problem for Conte and his team this season. After the great success of last season, Chelsea this season lacked attacking options and became dependent on the explosive Hazard. The Belgian player not only had the responsibility of stirring up the opponent's defense, attracting people, but also had to create for his teammates. Last season Conte used a formation with three attackers, but now he often plays with five midfielders and only arranges Hazard to play as an attacking midfielder for Morata.

An under-strength forward line is easily predictable if they contain Hazard, and that's what Brighton did in the first half. Hazard was always closely monitored and kept outside the 16m50 box, and Chelsea's inability forced them to switch to playing high balls. This time, with Morata's presence, it was more successful than when he was absent, like in the match against Everton. Morata's goal was the sixth time Azplicueta has assisted his compatriot this season, equaling the record of Lampard - Drogba in 2009-2010 and Fabregas - Costa in 2014-2015.

Compared to last season, Chelsea are seven points behind after the same 20 rounds. However, Man City's dominance this season is irresistible and Chelsea's victories will consolidate their position in the top 4 until the end of the season.

According to VNE