Man Utd transfer target Carlos Baleba aims 'stronger' Chelsea dig after Brighton win

Manchester United-linked Carlos Baleba has taunted Chelsea after his Brighton side beat Enzo Maresca's team 3-1 on Saturday.

The Blues took an early lead against the Seagulls with a goal from Enzo Fernandez, but their fortunes changed when Trevoh Chalobah was sent off for a foul on Diego Gomez shortly after half-time. Danny Welbeck levelled the score before Maxim De Cuyper put the visitors in the lead in west London.

To add insult to injury, Welbeck scored again deep into stoppage time, ensuring a disappointing day for Chelsea. Saturday's defeat represents the Blues' second consecutive loss in the Premier League after they lost at Manchester United a week ago.

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And United-linked midfielder Baleba has rubbed salt into the Chelsea wounds with a cheeky message on Instagram.

"I guess that Brighton connection with Chelsea is stronger on this side," he said in reference to the number of Brighton players Chelsea have signed in recent years.

Speaking post-match, Blues boss Maresca said: "It's a tough one because we were in control of the game, we scored one, we scored more.

"We didn't concede nothing, they just said to me also in terms of data, we had so many shots in the first half, 70% of possession, everything was fine.

"And then suddenly, because of our mistake, and then with the red card, again, the plan completely changed. So for me, we played two games, first-half, and then unfortunately, after the red card."

Asked if they were making life difficult for themselves with the red card, he added: "No, for sure you cannot continue to make mistakes, also because they are big mistakes in terms of game changes, the red card at Manchester United and the red card today.

"Then after that we tried to adjust a little bit with Josh Acheampong coming on, and he was ill over the last week.

"Josh, in that moment, our two central defenders were Josh and Jorrel [Hato], that both are for sure fantastic players, fantastic talents, but not so many games in the Premier League, so when you are with 10 players it's a moment that you have to manage the situation.

"And then the other one again, the same answer as yesterday, the club didn't mention me nothing, so there is not any news."