Frank Lampard’s team played out a 1-1 draw with Brighton away from home at the American Express Community Stadium in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Azpilicueta put the visiting side in the lead after just 10 minutes when the 30-year-old defender fired in from close range after teammate Tammy Abraham’s shot was blocked by Aaron Mooy.
Brighton scored the equaliser in the 84th minute when Alireza Jahanbakhsh found the net with a spectacular overhead kick.
Azpilicueta has admitted on Twitter that he is frustrated not to have started 2020 with a win, but he is confident about the weeks ahead.
Frustrated to not get the 3 points in our first game of the year. All together we will keep working towards our target. Thank you very much for your support and happy new year blue family! #2020 pic.twitter.com/LpMNogXsTS
— Csar Azpilicueta (@CesarAzpi) January 1, 2020
Stats
Over the course of the 90 minutes at the American Express Community Stadium on Wednesday, hosts Brighton had 48% of the possession, took 16 shots of which five were on target, and earned five corners.
Visitors Chelsea had 52% of the possession, took 16 shots of which five were on target, and earned three corners.
The result means that the Blues are fourth in the Premier League table at the moment with 36 points from 21 matches.
Chelsea will return to action on Sunday when they take on Championship club Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge in the third round of the FA Cup.