Chelsea 4-2 Brighton: Blues Player ratings as Cole Palmer sets Blues up to third win in a row
Chelsea coasted to a comfortable 4-2 victory over Brighton & Hive Albion in their Premier League clash at home thanks to Cole Palmer's four goals on Saturday, September 28. The result sees Enzo Maresca's side shoot up the standings to third on the table, banishing memories of his opening-day loss to Manchester City.
The Seagulls opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge in the seventh minute through Georginio Rutter. Cole Palmer responded emphatically, bagging a hattrick in the ensuing 23 minutes to put the hosts ahead. He scored in the 21st minute before adding another via a penalty seven minutes later. He then scored a brilliant free-kick in the 31st minute to complete his hat-trick.
Carlos Baleba halved the deficit in the 34th minute, but Palmer wrapped up the scoring in the 41st minute to end the match as a contest. Chelsea have now won their last three games in the Premier League and four across competitions.
Chelsea player ratings
Robert Sanchez - 6/10
The Spaniard did not have his best game for the hosts and made two mistakes that led to two goals. He made four saves and made 16 recoveries from 66 touches in the game.
Malo Gusto - 6.5/10
The French defender was not outstanding for his team but did just enough to help them avoid conceding more than two goals. He won two tackles and made six recoveries, but was dribbled past five times.
Wesley Fofana- 7/10
The former Leicester City defender was the best defender in the game for the Blues. He completed 82% of his passes and won two tackles in his fine showing at Stamford Bridge.
Levi Colwill- 6.5/10
The young defender had a forgettable match for the west London club today despite playing every minute of the game. He completed 79% of his passes and made four recoveries against Brighton.
Marc Cucurella- 6/10
The Euro 2024 winner did not have a great game against his former side today and was taken off after 70 minutes. He managed four recoveries, but only managed 35 touches in the game, averaging an involvement every two minutes.
Moises Caicedo- 7.5/10
The Ecuadorian had the fewest touches of any player to complete 90 minutes (42). Despite initially having a hand in the mix-up for the Seagulls' opening goal, had a fine showing. He completed two tackles and was not dispossessed in the game while winning possession back six times.
Enzo Fernandes -6.5/10
The Argentine international was easy to miss in the game and was taken off after 79 minutes on the pitch. He completed 84% of his passes and made five recoveries in the match.
Jadon Sancho- 8/10
The Manchester United loanee was impressive for Chelsea again and was the most successful dribbler, with six dribbles. He assisted Cole Palmer's last goal to highlight his performance.
Cole Palmer-10/10
Cole Palmer was brilliant for Chelsea and barely put a foot wrong in the game. His four-goal haul was important to the result and he was also the most creative player on the pitch, creating four chances.
Noni Madueke- 7/10
The England international came close to joining Cole Palmer on the scoresheet today, striking the woodwork once. He recovered possession three times and won two tackles in the game.
Nicolas Jackson- 8/10
The Chelsea striker had a fine game and continued his fine connection with Cole Palmer by setting up his opening goal in the match. He tested the Seagulls net twice and made two recoveries.
Chelsea Substitutes
Renato Veiga - 7/10
The Portuguese star came on for 20 minutes and made the most tackles in the game (3). He also won five duels for Chelsea and looked competent in the game.
Pedro Neto - 6.5/10
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers star came on for 27 minutes and was respectable for the hosts. He completed all five passes he attempted and won two recoveries and one tackle.
Mykhaylo Mudryk- 5/10
The former Shakhtar Donetsk winger was poor for the hosts following his introduction to proceedings. He had two touches, lost possession once, was found offside, and lost one duel in his 19 minutes on the pitch.
Romeo Lavia-5/10
The former Southhampton midfielder was solid but ineffectual in the game following his introduction. He had 11 touches and completed nine passes.
Christopher Nkunku-5/10
Nkunku came on late and did not affect the game for Chelsea. He made two touches in the match and completed two passes following his introduction.