Chelsea Go Fourth After Brighton Stalemate

Chelsea played a goalless draw with Brighton to climb into the Champions Leagues places on a night of drama over the future of European football.

The fixture was almost a side note, with the news breaking before kick-off that Chelsea were preparing to pull out of the European Super League at the same time as their fans were protesting the club’s inclusion outside Stamford Bridge.

The Blues’ notice of withdrawal was followed by that of Manchester City, with the other four English clubs later joining them as the ill-conceived new competition unraveled just 48 hours after the 12 clubs announced their breakaway.

Brighton players protested against the move before kickoff

The Blues created little but a point was enough to see Thomas Tuchel’s side take up the last of those automatic places, going above London rivals West Ham, who they face on Saturday.

It was in fact Brighton who enjoyed the best chances late on as first substitute Adam Lallana fired wide before Danny Welbeck struck the post from distance.

Defender Ben White was then sent off for the visitors in stoppage time for a second booking as Chelsea looked to break away.

The draw moves Graham Potter’s side seven points above the Premier League relegation zone with six games to play.