A POOR showing from the Blues meant they only collected one point at Brighton after Adam Webster's header cancelled out Hakim Ziyech's strike.
Chelsea recalled Jorginho, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi for Tuesday evening’s Premier League visit to Brighton.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel responded to Saturday’s 1-0 loss at title rivals Manchester City by dropping Malang Sarr, Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic to the bench.
The third-placed Blues arrived on the south coast sitting 13 points adrift of table-topping City.
The hosts started the better side and almost took the lead in the second minute when Jakub Moder’s shot from the edge of the box rolled just wide of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s right-hand post.
Brighton continued to frustrate the Blues as Welbeck and Alexis Mac Allister both had chances booked in the 20th minute.
Tuchel’s side were finding it difficult to break down Brighton and in turn were being put under lots of pressure.
Despite Brighton’s early good work, it was Chelsea that took the lead.
In the 28th minute, Hakim Ziyech was able to beat Robert Sanchez from range. The Spanish goalkeeper would have been disappointed to be beaten by the shot from the Moroccan.
Albion did try to find an equaliser before halftime but besides a wild effort from Welbeck, they were not able to create any goal-scoring opportunities.
Brighton did level on the hour courtesy of a thumping header from stand-in captain Adam Webster.
Alexis Mac Allister delivered an inswinging corner from the left and the unmarked Webster powered a header past Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from around eight yards.
The hosts then looked the more likely to take the lead as substitute Neal Maupay could have been in multiple times if he had better luck.
In the final stages, the game opened up as both sides went in search of a winner.
However, neither team was able to create a good chance on goal as defenders were coming out on top.
There was a late push from Tuchel's side but they could not muster up anything special. The game ended in a draw and arguably Chelsea should be happy with a point as they were second best for much of the game.
Chelsea are next in action on Sunday when they take on Tottenham Hotspur.
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