Chelsea four things learned as Aubameyang missed and two struggle

Chelsea boss Graham Potter was humiliated on his return to Brighton on Saturday, losing 4-1 against the team he ditched to replace Thomas Tuchel in early September. The Blues were three goals down by half-time, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Chalobah both scoring own goals after Chelsea transfer target Leandro Trossard opened the scoring. Kai Havertz bagged a second-half consolation before Pascal Gross added gloss to Roberto de Zerbi’s first win. Here are four things Express Sport learned from the encounter…A lack of striker options aside from Pierre-Emerick AubameyangGraham Potter opted to rest star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for this clash and the move backfired. Chelsea lack strength up front outside of the former Arsenal ace and might need to sign a younger striker in a future transfer window. Aubameyang has enjoyed a good start to life since his move from Barcelona, scoring three goals. However, Havertz was preferred up front against Brighton by Potter. Havertz scored an excellent second-half header to make the score 3-1 but otherwise was hardly in the game. Aubameyang, 33, will surely be restored to the Chelsea team for the Blues’ next Premier League game against ex-employers Arsenal.JUST IN: Ukraine football match interrupted by siren as players taken off Chelsea boss Graham Potter named Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a substitute (Image: GETTY IMAGES)Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling underwhelmChristian Pulisic has been desperate for an opportunity to start, while Raheem Sterling is yet to properly settle into life at Chelsea. Both were deployed as wing-backs at the Amex Stadium and struggled into their roles, with Brighton clearly targeting wide areas. USA captain Pulisic wants more game time heading into the World Cup but he will not get much more going by this performance. In fairness, he is far better when used higher up the pitch. The same applies to Sterling, who was nullified in a deeper position.DON’T MISS…Man City boss Pep Guardiola offers Erling Haaland injury updateGuardiola fires scary two-word warning after Man City beat LeicesterKlopp has ‘perfect’ plan for forgotten Liverpool star Naby Keita Chelsea boss Graham Potter was humiliated on his Brighton return (Image: GETTY IMAGES)Roberto de Zerbi’s Brighton finally clickingBrighton initially appeared destabilised following Potter’s departure in early September. De Zerbi had failed to win any of his first five games before the visit of Chelsea. But the Italian’s side were excellent in their 3-1 defeat by Manchester City last weekend and were perhaps unfortunate not to claim a point. Against the West Londoners, they finally appeared to have clicked under their exciting new boss.