Chelsea may ultimately be the most confusing team in the Premier League this season, but Wednesday evening was a showing of confidence and composure – while providing a glimpse at what Pochettino’s squad looks like at near full-strength in their 2-1 victory.
Cole Palmer continued his ridiculously impressive debut campaign for the Blues, opening the scoring in the first half with a lovely flick-on header. The assist, provided by ex-Brighton man Marc Cucurella, was just as good, as the Spaniard had one of his best performances of the season.
On a more harrowing first half note, though, the Blues lost speedy winger Mykhalo Mudryk to injury after the Ukrainian was the victim of upper-body contact from Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey that saw him make an early exit.
Nonetheless, his replacement – Christopher Nkunku – took his time on the pitch to truly announce his return back from injury. The France international netted the eventual winner, scoring a brilliant driven strike after a stupendous cross from fellow countryman Malo Gusto.
In the 86th minute, though, chaos did arrive. Chelsea captain Reece James was shown a straight red card for a kick-out on Joao Pedro that reduced the Blues to 10-men. With 10 minutes of stoppage time added, Brighton went on an attacking tear – with Danny Welbeck finding the back of the net in the 97th minute.
Chelsea did hold on, though, despite the recklessness from James that put them in an uncomfortable and dangerous spot to close out the match.
GOAL rates Chelsea’s players from American Express Stadium…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Djordje Petrovic (7/10):
Big save in first-half stoppage time, was immense in goal when called upon.
Malo Gusto (8/10):
Locked down a menacing Adingra with a really solid performance and capped it off with a truly sensational assist for Nkunku’s goal.
Trevoh Chalobah (7/10):
Has really stepped it up of late for Chelsea, and put in another composed performance in defence.
Benoit Badiashile (7/10):
Marked Joao Pedro well, but had a few nervy moments. Regardless, another solid showing without a true hiccup.
Marc Cucurella (8/10):
Haunted his former club with this showing; a brilliant assist on Palmer’s opener and was defensively composed all evening.
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Midfield
Conor Gallagher (6/10):
Not his most influential game for Chelsea, but he played his role well. Wasn’t allowed to get forward as much as he’d hope, but was solid with Caicedo.
Moises Caicedo (7/10):
Ran the midfield against his former club with some precision passing and good physical play.
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Attack
Cole Palmer (8/10):
Chelsea’s starboy continues to shine, this time with a booming header. Another top performance.
Nicolas Jackson (7/10):
Scored a lovely header that was called back for a foul in first-half stoppage time. In general, though, was consistent despite not ending up on the scoresheet.
Mykhalo Mudryk (6/10):
Incredibly lively during his first half cameo, but was removed after taking an upper-body knock. Baffling as to how VAR deemed the challenge “inconclusive” after the contact.
Noni Madueke (6/10):
Continues to be lively in moments, but struggles with selfishness in the final-third. Not his best day.
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Subs & Manager
Reece James (4/10):
Notched another 20 minutes under his belt, replacing Gusto, as he continues his return from injury. However, he was sent off for violent conduct with a straight red card with minutes to spare. Nonsensical.
Christopher Nkunku (8/10):
A brilliant cameo off the bench, he was electric on the wing and capped it off with a winning goal.
Raheem Sterling (6/10):
Subbed on with 20 minutes to spare, but didn’t effect the game much.
Thiago Silva (NA):
Subbed on after James’ needless red.
Cesare Casadei (NA):
Brought on with two minutes to spare after Brighton bagged a late goal.
Lesley Ugochukwu (NA):
Same as Casadei.
Mauricio Pochettino (8/10):
Chelsea boss got his XI right, and surely was pleased with the performance. Unlucky to lose Mudryk early, but adjusted well tactically and got the rest of his subs right.
