When captain Conor Gallagher was given his marching orders just before the break at Stamford Bridge, it was easy to think that this was going to be another one of those days for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. However, instead of self-sabotaging themselves out of another three points, Chelsea held firm against a sloppy Brighton side on Sunday, grinding out a desperately-needed three points with a 3-2 win.
The Blues took control of proceedings midway through the first half when headers from Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill in a frantic four-minute period put them 2-0 up. They seemed in little danger of having their lead dented, only for Facundo Buonanotte to net a worldie against the run of play and Gallagher to brainlessly get himself dismissed before the interval.
But, after repelling a series of Brighton attacks early on, Chelsea pieced together a scintillating move on the counter, which was only halted when James Milner clattered into Mykhailo Mudryk in the penalty area. After consulting VAR, referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot and the ice-cool Fernandez – who missed a spot kick against West Ham earlier in the season – placed the ball into the net.
Joao Pedro’s deft header made the 10 minutes of second-half stoppage time nervy – particularly when a VAR review overturned a penalty given against Levi Colwill for handball – but the Seagulls could not find an equaliser, ensuring the Blues picked up just their fifth Premier League win of the campaign.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (8/10):
Booed every time he touched it by the travelling fans, but was outstanding, aside from one or two lapses in concentration with his feet.
Axel Disasi (6/10):
Sometimes a little clumsy on the ball, but largely solid.
Thiago Silva (6/10):
Has been criticised a bit recently, but did not do much wrong here.
Benoit Badiashile (7/10):
Set up Fernandez’s header after keeping things alive from a corner. Defended sublimely and distributed in a classy fashion.
Levi Colwill (7/10):
Pretty exceptional aside from being bested for Buonanotte’s goal. Balanced his defensive and attacking responsibilities expertly and got on the scoresheet.
Midfield
Moises Caicedo (7/10):
Impressed against his former club. Broke things up and played some line-splitting passes. Booked.
Enzo Fernandez (8/10):
Finished Chelsea’s opener – his first Premier League goal – like a cultured No.9. Then showed nerves of steel to convert the penalty. An inspirational display in the middle.
Conor Gallagher (3/10):
Booked for two clumsy challenges. The second one, committed just after Chelsea conceded, was completely brainless. The incident won’t help his first-team prospects, which are in danger due to the imminent return of Romeo Lavia.
Attack
Mykhailo Mudryk (7/10):
His devastating pace forced Milner to bring him down for the penalty. Wasn’t all perfect, but showed signs here of why the Blues spent so much money on him.
Nicolas Jackson (7/10):
Probably his best display in a Chelsea shirt, which is strange to say considering he’s previously scored a hat-trick. Led the line competently and got an assist. There was still some carelessness that needs ironing out, though.
Raheem Sterling (6/10):
Always trying to make things happen, but guilty of running down dead ends. Hard to escape the feeling that Chelsea need a bit more from their most-experienced attacker.
Subs & Manager
Cole Palmer (6/10):
Not given much license to create as Chelsea sat in but remained disciplined.
Ian Maatsen (6/10):
Came on and marshalled Mitoma effectively – even when the Japan international tried conning a penalty against him.
Armando Broja (6/10):
Engaged the Brighton defence, which helped his side see the result out.
Mauricio Pochettino (8/10):
Chelsea looked well coached when they went done to 10 men; that’s something you’ve been able to say for some time.
