Romelu Lukaku outmuscled Neil Maupay to go domestic a nook midway through the first half however former Manchester United and Arsenal ahead Welbeck punished the home facet with a headed intention on the death. The 1-1 draw way Thomas Tuchel's side are 8 points at the back of City, who won 0-1 at Brentford inside the later kick off.
Lukaku started his 2d spell at Chelsea in style after returning from Inter Milan in August however then struggled with his form and fitness earlier than suffering a bout of coronavirus. But he came off the bench to score in his facet's three-1 victory at Aston Villa on Sunday and turned into rewarded with a niche in the starting line-up at Stamford Bridge on a slight December night.
The 28-yr-antique became extraordinary as the effective focal factor of Chelsea's attack, conserving the ball up properly and menacing the Brighton defence together with his physical presence. The domestic aspect looked extra dangerous in the early stages without creating many simple openings and previous Chelsea participant Tariq Lamptey turned into a regular chance down the right for the traffic.
Chelsea wing-lower back Reece James limped off inside the 27th minute with an apparent hamstring injury, to get replaced by Marcos Alonso. They went in advance without delay when Lukaku shook off the attentions of Maupay after a tussle to power a header beyond goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Brighton's court cases have been waved away as Chelsea -- for see you later top of the league this season -- celebrated.
But Graham Potter's aspect got here returned strongly, with Edouard Mendy pressured to push away a fierce Adam Lallana force whilst Alexis Mac Allister shot instantly on the goalkeeper. The brilliant Yves Bissouma stung the arms of Mendy early inside the second 1/2 because the visitors persisted to problem Chelsea. Minutes later Callum Hudson-Odoi burst forward from his very own 1/2 however failed to locate Mason Mount earlier than Maupay flashed wide at the other stop as the sport opened up.
It regarded as although it changed into going to be a familiar story for Brighton, who've struggled to score this season, however alternative Welbeck had different thoughts, heading home Marc Cucurella's pass within the 91st minute.
