Graham Potter: Chelsea Boss Reveals Why He Subbed off Kepa at Half Time As Blues Trailed Brighton

• Chelsea endured one of their worst starts in a match during their trip to Brighton on Saturday, October 29
• The west Londoners found themselves trailing the hosts by three goals in the first half, with Chalobah and Loftus-Cheek scoring own goals
• Graham Potter went on to sub off Kepa at the break, with Edouard Mendy coming off the see out the rest of the match

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has explained his decision to substitute Kepa Arrizabalaga at half-time, as the Blues trailed Brighton 3-0 at the Amex on Saturday.

The west Londoners were far off the mark during their Premier League trip to Brighton as they were humbled 4-1 by his former club.

Two first-half own goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevor Chalobah, and Leandro Trossard's early opener, saw Chelsea go three goals down before the interval.

The lacklustre start to the match forced Potter into a tactical change as Kepa, who had been in sensational form, was hooked at the break.

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The Spaniard's place was subsequently taken by Edouard Mendy, who conceded at stoppage time as Potter's men were humbled 1-0.

Potter explains the Kepa substitution

However, Potter has come out to explain that his decision to sub off Kepa had nothing to do with his performance in the first half.

According to the Englishman, he had to take off the Spanish goalkeeper as he had suffered an injury.

"He felt the bottom of his foot, so I don't know, it's too early yet. It was too bad for him to carry on. So that is disappointing for him because he is in a really good moment," Potter explained per The Sun.

"We hadn't thought about it, to be honest. The full focus was on this game. But if he [Kepa] is injured, it gives Mendy a chance," he added.

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How Brighton vs Chelsea unfolded

Sports Brief reported that Chelsea boss Graham Potter suffered a humiliating return to Brighton as his former club ended his unbeaten start, with a stunning 4-1 victory at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.

Potter had gone nine games without defeat since leaving Brighton to take charge of the Blues.

Brighton ruined the Chelsea chief's first reunion with the Seagulls however, as their new manager Roberto De Zerbi enjoyed his maiden success following his arrival to replace Potter.