Chelsea secured a vital 2-1 win at Brighton to boost their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League.

Cole Palmer scored with a glancing header in the 34th minute, and substitute Christopher Nkunku turned a cut-back to put the visitors control in the second-half.

But Danny Welbeck pulled one back in stoppage-time after Reece James was sent off for kicking Joao Pedro off the ball. The captain will now serve a four-match ban.

Chelsea are up to sixth in the Premier League table, which could be enough to qualify for the Europa League, albeit with one match left to play on Sunday.

Nizaar Kinsella was at the Amex Stadium to rate the Chelsea players...

Djordje Petrovic - 6

The Serb did not face any difficult shots but was assured.

Malo Gusto - 7

The 20-year-old played a hybrid central midfield and full-back role like Cucurella and was fortunate not to give away a penalty. He did create Nkunku’s goal with a good cutback.

Trevoh Chalobah - 8

The homegrown defender kept making incredible blocks and defensive interventions.

Benoit Badiashile - 7

The Frenchman produced a surprisingly good in-swinging cross towards the end of the second half, when Nicolas Jackson had a header ruled out.

Marc Cucurella - 7

The defender saw his every touch booed but looked unfazed compared to his dismal showing here last season and was unlucky not to win a penalty early on.

Moises Caicedo - 7

Also booed each time he touched the ball but produced a steady midfield display.

Conor Gallagher - 7

The England midfielder cleared a dangerous corner from under his own crossbar.

Noni Madueke - 6

A quiet display from Madueke compared to the other attackers but involved in the second goal.

Cole Palmer - 8

He was elegant, classy and impactful in everything he did. Superb again from the talisman.

Mykhailo Mudryk - 6

The Ukraine international built on some improving performances but then went off with a head injury.

Nicolas Jackson - 7

The Senegal striker was in fighting spirit at the Amex Stadium, held up the ball well and scored but was flagged offside.

Substitutes

Christopher Nkunku - 8

The France international breathed new life into Chelsea’s attack after coming on for Mudryk and scored a good second-half goal.

Reece James - 4

The captain was unbelievable against Nottingham Forest on Saturday but was sent off for kicking out at Pedro.

Raheem Sterling - 6

Didn’t have much time or chance to impact the game.

Thiago Silva - N/A

Lesley Ugochukwu - N/A

Cesare Casadei - N/A

Unused subs: Bettinelli, Ugochukwu, Chilwell, Colwill, Casadei.