MITOMA MAGIC

THE man from the land of the rising sun gave Chelsea that sinking feeling with a moment of magic.

- By Paul Brown

Japan star Kaoru Mitoma did his best impression of Dennis Bergkamp to give Brighton the lead with a goal-of-the-season contender.

And Yankuba Minteh then bagged two more goals as Enzo Maresca's problems at Chelsea mounted, as Noni Madueke joined a growing injury list.

Maresca's fourth-placed side could have opened up a five-point lead over Manchester City in fifth with a win.

But his strikerless system backfired as they missed an opportunity to take revenge over their cup conquerors.

The Seagulls beat Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup at the Amex last Saturday to follow a 7-0 walloping at Nottingham Forest. They looked a different team at the Amex last night and bossed the game, with Mitoma leading the way.