Brighton made a blistering start and went ahead in the fifth minute through Leandro Trossard. Chelsea captain Thiago Silva twice cleared off his line in the opening stages, before Trossard collected a pass from Mitoma, rounded visiting goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and fired home.
Albion doubled their advantage in the 14th minute, with recalled Chelsea midfielder Loftus-Cheek diverting the ball into his own goal via the underside of the crossbar following a Solly March corner.
Chants of ‘Potter what’s the score?’ grew louder among home supporters and were swiftly followed by ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’.
Brighton were 3-0 up in the 42nd minute after Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah diverted the ball into his own net following Estupinan’s pull back from the left.
Chelsea pulled a goal back within three minutes of the restart. Kai Havertz headed home unmarked following Conor Gallagher’s cross from the right.
But Albion deservedly had the last say as Pascal Gross sealed Brighton’s success by making it 4-1 in added time.
Here’s how the Albion players rated...
13. Tariq Lamptey 6/10
Came on for 25 minutes and did his job well at right back. Will be all the better for more minutes under his belt Photo: GLYN KIRK
14. Jeremy Sarmiento n/a
Came on in the closing stages for Trossard and saw out the game Photo: Charlie Crowhurst