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…
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.
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
