Brighton and Hove Albion 1-1 Chelsea: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2019-20

#3 James's inclusion leaves Brighton's shape in tatters

Reece James's commanding presence down the right caused all sorts of problems for Brighton

Reece James stole the show for Chelsea. He was combative, expressive and dynamic on both ends of the patch.

The full-back's inclusion was in fact, a great tactical move by Lampard to test Burn down that right-hand side. Burn, more known for his aerial and tackling ability, couldn't quite match the pace at which James was running inside the right, to the left of Lewis Dunk.

Not once or twice but thrice, the right back overlapped on the inside right and delivered teasing balls into the box. One of them was of course, the one that resulted in the goal-bound corner.

Defensively too, James was aggressive, decisive and apt. He chipped in with a number of vital challenges and well-timed tackles. Fair to say, Brighton hardly enjoyed anything down his end.

Reece James made more tackles (4) than any other player on the pitch in the first half of Brighton vs. Chelsea.And no player has dribbled past him. 💪 pic.twitter.com/CLPZMTKyZP

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 1, 2020