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Chelsea player ratings vs Brighton: Cole Palmer produces masterclass but horror show from Robert Sanchez

Chelsea player ratings vs Brighton: Cole Palmer produces masterclass but horror show from Robert Sanchez

Cole Palmer scored all four goals as Chelsea hammered Brighton 4-2 at Stamford Bridge

There were defensive errors at both end of the pitch, in what was a thrilling clash. All six goals were scored before the break, with the second-half unable to live up to that entertainment.

Victory takes Chelsea up to third in the table, just a point off Manchester City.

Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at Stamford Bridge...

Robert Sanchez 2

At fault for both Brighton goals. A horrible afternoon against his former club, after a couple of good ones in recent weeks. And yet did also make a couple of excellent saves.

Malo Gusto 6

Fit to start after missing last two league games. Exposed against Mitoma early on but settled.

Wesley Fofana 6

Back at centre-back and and did okay given lack of protection in a wide open game.

Levi Colwill 5

Clearance charged down in lead up to Rutter’s goal. Maybe the least convincing display of what has been an excellent start to the season.

Marc Cucurella 5

Couldn’t challenge in the air for Brighton’s first. Thought he had a goal against former club but disallowed for offside.

Moises Caicedo 6

Overpowered in midfield against the excellent Baleba. Could have dealt with ball quicker in build-up to Brighton opener. Did take advantage of Brighton’s suicidal play winning the ball high up the pitch, though.

Enzo Fernandez 5

Another who looked leggy against a dynamic Brighton midfield. Too slow on the ball in the second-half when might have released forwards.

Noni Madueke 6

Dragged wide from a decent opening. Won the free-kick which Palmer completed hat-trick. Always dangerous against Brighton’s high line.

Cole Palmer 10

An absolute masterclass. Became the first man to score four before half-time in a Premier League game. Could have had two more, and three assists, on top of that.

Brighton had no answer for Chelsea’s main man (AP)
Brighton had no answer for Chelsea’s main man (AP)

Jadon Sancho 8

Very impressive. Won the penalty after excellent wide play, then assisted Palmer’s fourth.

Nicolas Jackson 6

Almost made a meal of chance one-on-one but picked out Palmer just in time. Wasteful in the second-half, though, when twice taking too long to get a shot off.

Substitutes

Pedro Neto (Madueke 63’) 6

Worked hard after introduction and offered a fresh outlet.

Renato Veiga (Cucurella 70’) 6

Brought security down the left.

Mykhailo Mudryk (Sancho 70’) 5

Pace seemed ideally suited to the task but didn't get in behind once.

Christopher Nkunku (Jackson 79’) N/A

Unlucky not to start after midweek hat-trick.

Romeo Lavia (Fernandez 79’) N/A

Back from a hamstring problem. Needs to kick on now.

Unused: Jorgensen, Disasi, Adarabioyo, Felix, Mudryk