Player Ratings: Chelsea 3-2 Brighton & Hove Albion | Premier League

Chelsea had to battle hard to win 3-2 against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

Following an embarrassing 4-1 loss last weekend, Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues were much improved against Roberto De Zerbi’s side and turned in an impressive performance.

The west Londoners found the opening goal 17 minutes into the first half. Benoit Badiashile re-directed Conor Gallagher’s corner into the path of Enzo Fernandez who headed in to score his first goal for Chelsea in the Premier League since signing last January.

Shortly after the lead was doubled. Another Gallagher corner caused problems for the Seagulls, leaving Nicolas Jackson to head back across goal and pick out Levi Colwill who also netted his first ever goal for the Blues.

Things were looking good for the hosts, but the game quickly swung. Facundo Buonanotte scored with a curled finish and right before the break Gallagher got himself sent off for a needless second yellow card.

In the second half Chelsea extended their lead after some pressure from the visitors. Mykhailo Mudryk was brought down by James Milner and after a VAR check a penalty was given which Fernandez converted.

While the win looked to be pretty much secured, there was late drama. Ten minutes were added on and Joao Pedro scored in the second minute of it to make the game 3-2.

This was then followed by a VAR check at the death. No penalty was given against Chelsea though as Colwill clearly had not handballed a cross from the right hand side. The Blues just about managed to hang on.

Here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the players performances against Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.

---

Robert Sanchez – 7.5/10

Made some crucial saves down the stretch in the second half and claimed crosses with confidence. Did extremely well to block out the boos from the away fans whenever he had the ball at his feet. Had a couple of nervy moments though.

Levi Colwill – 7.5/10

After spending last season on loan with the Seagulls, the young defender netted his first ever goal for Chelsea against his former side. Apart from allowing Buonanotte onto his left-foot way too easily for Brighton’s first goal he had a fantastic game.

Benoit Badiashile – 7.5/10

Superb work from the 22-year-old to help the Blues open the scoring. He salvaged Gallagher’s deep corner to pick out Fernandez for an easy goal. Overall another strong display from the defender who was very impressive at the back.

Thiago Silva – 7/10

The oldest Premier League defender of all-time and still performing at a very high level. It was a solid performance from the Brazilian, dictating play from the defence. He bounced back well after his big error against Newcastle United last weekend.

Axel Disasi – 6.5/10

With the Blues lacking in the right-back department due to suspension for Reece James and Malo Gusto’s knee injury, the Frenchman was shifted into this position. He made a couple of mistakes but brings so much passion and fight into the backline.

Enzo Fernandez – 8/10

You wait ages for one, and then two come along at once. Fernandez scored twice in this contest to open his account in the Premier League for Chelsea. After heading in from close range in the first half, the Argentine then converted from the penalty spot midway through the second. Fantastic composure from the midfielder.

Moises Caicedo – 6/10

Taking on his former team, the Ecuadorian midfielder was perhaps fortunate to not suffer the same fate as Gallagher. He picked up a yellow card in the second half and then made a couple of other challenges that could have seen him sent off. Still a good performance in the middle.

Conor Gallagher – 2/10

The 23-year-old has become a regular and dependable option this season under the management of Pochettino, but against Brighton he will come away very disappointed with himself. It was a stupid and clumsy pair of tackles that saw him sent off and he very nearly cost Chelsea in this contest.

Mykhailo Mudryk – 7.5/10 (81)

Kept quiet at times but showed flashes of brilliance. His incredible pace earned the Blues a penalty in the second half and he proved he can be the difference maker when it matters most.

Raheem Sterling – 6/10 (66)

Was not at his best against the Seagulls. While he tried to make things happen he was often shut down by the Brighton defence. Chelsea would hope for more from the most experienced attacker, as he did not step up to the plate in the way he has done in other games this season.

Nicolas Jackson – 7/10 (72)

There are still a lot of issues to iron out in Jackson’s game but his raw talent is there. He provided an assist in the first half and did a good job in the second half when the Blues countered. The red card lessened his involvement.

---

Bench

Cole Palmer – 6/10 (66)

No complaints about Palmer’s performance, was limited by Chelsea being down to ten men but still showed his talent.

Ian Maatsen – 6/10 (72)

Contained the dangerous Kaoru Mitoma well.

Armando Broja – 5/10 (81)

Was brought on late on in the contest and did not play a massive role.