Chelsea faced off against Brighton in a blockbuster 7-goal affair for the Blues second preseason match of the 2023/24 campaign. Chelsea would take the victory 4-3 in an incredibly positive performance to make it 2 wins in 2 for Mauricio Pochettino.
The game was a battle of 2 halves. Brighton proved to be the dominant side on the ball in the first half and Chelsea were comfortable in sitting back and countering. The Blues conceded the first goal but bounced back by leveling the score before the half. In the second half the Blues were by far the more lethal side in front of goal after the Seagulls had defender Jan Paul Ven Hecke sent off. Chelsea would score 3 in the half to seal the game with goals from Mhykhailo Mudryk, Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson, despite a late attempt at a comeback from Brighton.
Chelsea player ratings vs Brighton
Defense
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6.5/10
Kepa Arrizabalaga conceded a goal in the first half but bounced back really well to keep Chelsea in the game with some expected but crucial saves. Once again, the Spaniard can do better with his cross anticipation and positioning in set piece moments but overall decent performance. Conceded 2 more in the second half, one penalty and another in open play, he was not particularly to blame for either.
Thiago Silva – 6/10
Surprisingly Thiago Silva was quite anonymous during the game. He didn’t necessarily standout defensively as Brighton held much of the ball in the first half and were quite frankly outplaying Chelsea. Nevertheless, still a near errorless performance from Chelsea’s captain for the first half.
Levi Colwill – 7.5/10
Levi Colwill’s passing range as a defender is simply world class. Several times during the match he played a pivotal role in starting Chelsea counter attacks by spotting the runs of forwards and playing beautiful line breaking passes. Defensively there is more to be seen from the 20-year-old. He gave up a penalty to a reckless tackle in the box during the second half but overall good debut for the new season in blue.
Malo Gusto – 7/10
Malo Gusto had the toughest assignment of the night dealing with Brighton’s tricky winger Kaoru Mitoma. He has held his own defensively against the Japanese, despite being outpaced a few times he did contain Mitoma on a few occasions with great tackling and using his physicality well. Gusto’s signing is proving to be crucial for the stability of Chelsea’s right back position.
Midfield
Andrey Santos – 6.5/10
Andrey Santos played decently; he was hardly on the ball as he played once again as a deep lying midfielder taking on more responsibilities defensively. Despite his youth, he was never afraid to challenge and duel physically with the Brighton players. Would be ideal to see him get the chance to move forward more often and contribute to the attack.
Conor Gallagher – 7/10
Conor Gallagher is slowly finding his footing under Mauricio Pochettino so far. Despite featuring in a deeper role in midfield, he’s now scored 2 goals this preseason along with continuing to show the qualities he’s known for in his pressing and energy. The role Gallagher plays could be crucial to this Pochettino side and the Blues should consider holding on to the Englishman despite interest from PL clubs.
Carney Chukwuemeka – 7/10
Carney Chukwuemeka in the first half was one of Chelsea’s best players going forward. The 19 year old’s ball progression was key in creating some of Chelsea’s best chances including Nkunku’s first half goal. Overall great showing once again.
Forwards
Christopher Nkunku- 7/10
Christopher Nkunku scored Chelsea’s goal in the first half. Although the goal itself was quite scrappy Nkunku’s instinctive flick proved crucial in the right place at the right time. He featured as Chelsea’s lone striker up top in the first half and while he did score he struggled once again to get on the ball as much as you’d expect him to. However, it is 2 goals in 2 matches for the Frenchman, can’t ask for more.
Ian Maatsen – 6/10
Another game starting at left wing for Ian Maatsen and this time less of a standout performance like against Wrexham. Maatsen tended to drift centrally a lot and did have a few good linkups in the final third but didn’t have an extensive impact.
Raheem Sterling – 5/10
Raheem Sterling was arguably Chelsea’s most frustrating forward during his time on the pitch. The Englishman found himself in great positions and had some great runs but once again the final output in the final third was poor in terms of both passing and shooting.
Substitutes
Nicolas Jackson – 9/10
If Nicolas Jackson continues to put on performances like this in a Chelsea shirt we may not need to buy another striker. The Senegalese forward came on during the second half and provided 2 assists along with a great goal. His linkup play is sensational, able to drop deep and have these simple combinations with other forwards progressing the play. His ability with his back behind the goal has been class as well. Overall, Jackson has been a standout performer this preseason.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 8/10
Scored a sublime goal in the second half with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box and had great runs on that left flank. Exactly what we’ve been wanting from Mhykhailo Mudryk
Trevoh Chalobah- 6.5/10
Once again, a solid showing from Trevoh Chalobah coming on in the second half and putting on another exemplary performance from the back.
Enzo Fernandez – 6/10
Didn’t get to see too much from the Argentinian in his first game back but Enzo Fernandez put in a good performance for the time he was involved.
Angelo Gabriel- 6.5/10
18 year old Angelo Gabriel came on during the second half and showed positive signs once again. He linked up brilliantly going forward with one two combinations while making those deadly runs into central spaces from the flanks. Unfortunately, no assist or goal to speak for his impact this time.
Cesare Casadei – 6.5/10
Once again, an encouraging performance from Cesare Casadei from the midfield. The 20-year-old showed his ability to drive the ball forward but could’ve released it earlier on occasions. His youth showed in his decision making this game.
Marc Cucurella – 6/10
Marc Cucurella came in during the second half and had a couple of good tackles and challenges. The Spaniard is proving to be the more defensive minded of our left back options.
Lewis Hall – N/A
Came on very late during the second half.
Bashir Humphreys – N/A
Came on in the 71st minute but didn’t have much time to get into the rhythm of the match.