Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn: Blues player ratings

Conor Gallagher: 6.5/10

It’s your typical Gallagher performance, heavy presser to win the ball back high up. Apart from that, the academy graduate could’ve done a lot more in the final third. The 23-year-old once again played as the No.10 and if we’re all being honest, Palmer thrives the most in that position. Gallagher thrives the most in games where we know we won’t dominate, but in games like against Blackburn, we need him to create more often and have more of an attacking presence.

Cole Palmer: 8.5/10

We have a serious player in our hands. Despite playing out wide, where I believe he’s most suited in central positions, Palmer looks to be our signing of the season so far. His dribbling is phenomenal, his passing is up there with the best in the league, and once again, he picked up another goal contribution. The service he received isn’t the greatest, but it’ll only get better after some reinforcements in January and Nkunku’s return.

Raheem Sterling: 8/10

After a poor first half, Sterling picked up the pace in the second half and looked very threatening. After getting his goal just outside the hour mark, the 28-year-old was causing havoc in the Blackburn team. Sterling completed the most dribbles of the match with five, proving why it’s still important to have him in the squad; you need that directness and willingness to take players on consistently.

Nicolas Jackson: 5/10

It is a match to forget for the Senegalese. The 22-year-old continued to show examples of why Chels‘ needs to bring in reinforcements for the No.9 spot. Barring his passing tonight and looking decent out wide at certain points, Jackson lacks that attacking awareness and first-touch needed from a center forward. He’s very static at times and often out of position, hardly any presence in the box.

Chelsea Substitutes:

Levi Colwill (61’): 6.5/10

Coming on for the goal scorer Badiashile, Colwill has been rested for the first time this season, after starting every game this season. He came on and did well, making four clearances, winning three duels, making a tackle, completing 92 percent of his passes, and creating a chance. It’ll be interesting to see how Pochettino can set up his defensive unit in preparation for Tottenham on Monday.

Malo Gusto (61’): 6.5/10

Coming on for the captain, Reece James, and he did his job. A decent cameo and didn’t put a foot wrong. A fantastic right-back option to have, as there’s not much of a drop off in quality. He managed two recoveries, won three duels, completed two successful dribbles, and had a 96 percent pass completion rate for the young Blue.

Moisés Caicedo (76’): 6/10

Coming on for Nics Jackson, Caicedo was brought on to close the game defensively. He’s done his job for the limited minutes he’s been given, only making 12 passes with 13 touches.

Noni Madueke (87’): N/A

Swapped for Palmer, Madueke only made one touch which was a successful pass.

Alex Matos (87’): N/A

Came on for Fernandez, the 19-year-old made one successful ground duel and completed one passes.