Spaniards lead Chelsea to 2-0 win over Brighton in EPL

Posted December 26, 2017 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Chelsea's Alvaro Morata, left, scores a goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in London, Tuesday Dec. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland) The Associated Press

LONDON (AP) - Alvaro Morata scored on his return from suspension as Chelsea eased past Brighton 2-0 in the English Premier League on Tuesday.

Chelsea's Spanish contingent was largely responsible for the victory. Morata headed in shortly after the break, and Marcos Alonso sealed the victory.

Chelsea has won nine of its last 12 league games, including six straight home victories, and moved to within a point of second-placed Manchester United. But it trails Manchester City by 13 points, a gap which the leader could extend at Newcastle on Wednesday.

Brighton delivered an organized first-half performance, limiting Chelsea to few chances, but lost concentration to concede within a minute of the break.

For the sixth time in the league this season, Morata was assisted by Spain teammate Cesar Azpilicueta. The defender produced an inch-perfect cross, leaving Morata to head home.

The lead was doubled on the hour mark as two more Spaniards combined. Cesc Fabregas picked out Alonso with his corner and the wing back headed in at the near post.

Brighton has lost its last three away games in the league without scoring. The Seagulls sit 12th on the table, four points clear of the relegation zone.

Chelsea's Marcos Alonso, left, celebrates after scoring a goal with teammate Alvaro Morata during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in London, Tuesday Dec. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland) The Associated Press

Chelsea's Eden Hazard, centre, beats Brighton's Markus Suttner, left, Matthew Ryan, bottom, and Lewis Dunk, right, during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in London, Tuesday Dec. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland) The Associated Press

Chelsea's Marcos Alonso, centre, scores a goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in London, Tuesday Dec. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland) The Associated Press

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