Chelsea fullback Malo Gusto has admitted that the team’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Friday night was a major setback in their push for a top-four finish.

The Blues were completely outplayed at the Falmer Stadium, and Gusto acknowledged that the performance was far below the required standard.

“As a team, we are very disappointed as it was important for us to get closer to third position,” Gusto told the club’s website.

“It was disappointing. We will give everything to be there at the end of the season. We just have to keep pushing and do our best.”

The young fullback stressed that Chelsea must quickly regroup and improve, with crucial games ahead.

“It was about us and our performance. Now we have to come back into training and prepare in a good way for the next game.”

Looking ahead, Gusto emphasised the importance of a strong reaction to avoid further setbacks.

“The most important thing is the reaction for the next game. We just need to give our best for the next few games.

“We just have to do better for the next game because it will be important for us to stay in the top four and that’s our target.”

With the battle for Champions League qualification intensifying, Chelsea will need to bounce back quickly to keep their ambitions alive.