Nicolas Jackson’s strike saw Chelsea progress in the Carabao Cup with a win over Brighton at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea found a goal and a win against Brighton in a game that they will hope is a launchpad for their season. The Blues keep one chance of silverware alive as they progress to the Carabao Cup fourth round.
The opening period saw Chelsea unable to dominate a team who looked more proficient than them in a number of areas. Once again, however, they showed plenty of threat without finding a goal, though it was probably the Seagulls who looked more accomplished.
The second half saw Chelsea take the lead via a cool strike from Nicolas Jackson, when the Senegal international provided a simple pass into the net reminiscent of the goals he registered in the United States in the summer. That was what was necessary for the Blues to find the result they desperately needed, and a battling performance if not always a classy one.
football.london provides their player ratings for Chelsea vs Brighton.
Robert Sanchez – Was very lucky when he passed it straight to Joao Pedro in the opening half and the Brighton star’s lob landed on top of the net. The first time his distribution has come under scrutiny with the Seagulls employing an impactful press. Pulled off a much-needed save from Solly March. 5.
Marc Cucurella – The Spaniard had not played a minute since the second round of the competition, and found himself in an unfamiliar role up against a top tier talent in Kaoru Mitoma. After a decent first half, his second period started pretty poorly with a couple of miskicks, and was much better when he could aggressively defend, and was very good against Joao Pedro. 6.
Axel Disasi – Produced some decisive defending to win the ball in crucial moments for the Blues. Stood up well as a leader in Thiago Silva’s absence. 7.
Levi Colwill – Displayed some impressive passing with his weaker foot having been moved into the centre of defence. 6.
Ben Chilwell – A solid outing from Chelsea’s captain. The left-back mostly defended well up against Facundo Buonanotte, though perhaps a bit quieter than usual going forwards. A worry he had to leave the pitch in the dying moments. 6.
Lesley Ugochukwu – Struggled in the opening half and was perhaps lucky not to see red before the 45th minute. Was not as vulnerable in the second period. 5.
Moises Caicedo – Looked more comfortable being able to press higher up the pitch but could not gain control of the midfield alongside Ugochukwu. 6.
Ian Maatsen – Put in a big shift defensively to help Cucurella and played a good pass to Cole Palmer in the build up to Chelsea opening the scoring. 6.
Cole Palmer – Showed some classy moments and promising touches and came close top opening the scoring from Mykhailo Mudryk’s cross late in the opening half. Showed the perfect amount of pause before playing the crucial pass through for Nicolas Jackson’s goal. 7
Mykhailo Mudryk – The Ukraine international is clearly very dangerous but still provides plenty of frustration. Moments which threaten to unlock the game are matched with passes out of play. Plenty of determination and pressing on show against the Seagulls and earned the reception he received when he was replaced. 6.
Nicolas Jackson – After plenty of toil in the opening half, Jackson displayed the composure he showed in pre-season to put the ball past Bart Verbruggen. Grew in confidence from that moment and found the net again though the offside flag was raised. 7.
Substitutes
Raheem Sterling – Drew a number of fouls as one of Chelsea’s outlets when they looked to relieve pressure. 6.
Conor Gallagher – The Cobham graduate was deployed on the right wing for the Blues during his time on the pitch and produced a disciplined outing. 6.
Enzo Fernandez – Busy pressing performance from the Argentine. 6.
Armando Broja – Quickly tried to make his presence felt in the opposition box when he entered the field. More impactful than at the weekend. 6.