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  1. Webster 'has become the fall guy'published at 12:40 1 October

    Scott McCarthy
    Fan writer

    Brighton fan's voice banner
    Adam Webster of Brighton & Hove Albion looks on during a pre-season friendly match between Queens Park Rangers and Brighton & Hove Albion at Loftus RoadImage source, Getty Images

    Tin hat on... I like Adam Webster. An opinion which very much goes against the grain of most Brighton supporters after he was culpable for gifting Chelsea the first of their four goals at Stamford Bridge.

    Since signing for the Albion in 2019, Webster has played a big part in helping establish the club in the Premier League. During the 2021-22 season, when Brighton finished top 10 for the first time in their history, his form was good enough to be in the conversation for an England call up. Unfortunately, injury ruined that.

    However, time waits for no one.

    Two-and-a-half years later and Brighton have moved on. Tony Bloom wants the Seagulls to become regular challengers for Europe - and it is fair to say Webster is no longer good enough to be playing for a club desiring a top-eight finish.

    This is not his fault, which is the point a lot of his critics in the wake of what happened at Chelsea appear to be missing. After all, Brighton signed nearly £200m worth of new players in the summer.

    It seems mad a club can be the biggest net spenders in world football, and yet not sign a new centre-back to leave themselves in a position where one injury or suspension means throwing Webster into the starting XI.

    Making the situation stranger is that Brighton knew in the summer they were appointing a head coach who deploys a high line. They also knew their defensive options are somewhat lacking in pace. They needed a different profile of centre-back to suit the tactics of Fabian Hurzeler.

    Webster has become the fall guy when he should never have been put in the position of playing against Chelsea in a system unsuited to him.

    It all means defensive reinforcements must be a priority for Brighton over the next couple of transfer windows.

    Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

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  2. Chelsea 4-2 Brighton - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:35 30 September

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    Noni Madueke of Chelsea runs ahead of Pervis Estupinan and Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Stamford BridgeImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Brighton.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Chelsea fans

    Stevie: Literally a game of two halves. Looked fantastic going forwards but same defensive issues affecting us, Enzo Fernandez doesn't look able to play in a two-man midfield and wants too much time on the ball. Jadon Sancho looked lively again and I think Palmer might be pushed out on the right to get Nkunku playing in the 10.

    Mathew: Really good from us. Cole Palmer is unbelievable and his free-kick was just as good. A shame with the two goals we conceded as Robert Sanchez has to do better. Sancho, Nicolas Jackson, Fernandez and Levi Colwill played well. It’s also great to see Romeo Lavia playing again. Renato Veiga looks like a really good signing. Great performance. On to Thursday.

    Lawro: Visually, the scoreline is pleasing. However, to concede two goals in the manner that we did is unforgiveable. Sanchez was at fault with both goals, but he made two crucial saves to redeem himself. He needs to work on his judgement, which at best is poor!

    Richard: The game against Brighton was helter-skelter, exciting but riddled with errors. Both defences hardly inspire confidence. Cole Palmer strode through it all and might have notched six or seven goals. Sancho's form is encouraging and in only a handful of games, he already has a number of assists. Chelsea score freely and the fans will not be complaining.

    Brighton fans

    Stuart: Albion have had this coming. The lack of defensive signings this summer has meant that this was always a possibility with our high risk of playing, I love our gallant approach to the game but now without Pascal Gross and Billy Gilmour ahead of them, I am unsure our defense is fit for purpose. This will happen again and again.

    Matt: Brighton’s defence was embarrassing at times. The high line is too risky against good teams as Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster do not have the speed needed to get back. It’s Brighton’s first loss but there has been warning signs of this defensive display coming. Back to the training ground on Monday. This must improve against Tottenham next week. Finally, rest in peace Barry Lloyd [former Brighton manager, who died on Saturday].

    Malcolm: We need to sort out how we defend, Webster was appalling and Pervis Estupinan not much better. Dunk is showing signs of being past his sell-by date. I worry about the tactics against better sides where we need to be more solid. On the bright side Carlos Baleba just gets better and Adam Welbeck is not yet injured!

    Luke: Palmer will get all the headlines and he is a wonderful player but all four goals were down to our poor play. The high line is exposed by our lack of pace at the back. Tough run of games coming up. We will be regretting not getting more in the last two home games as we drop down the table.

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.