Chelsea maintained their 100% Premier League record with a 4-3 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia gave Chelsea the three points, although there were worrying signs from the defence.
The Blues came flying out of the blocks in front of a bouncing home crowd, with Xabi Alonso’s side racing into a three-goal lead inside the opening 30 minutes. Brighton managed to pull one back through Malick Yalcouyé, but Chelsea’s early dominance proved enough to secure all three points.
An own goal made the second half difficult while Chelsea's number 10 excelled, alongside his partner, in spells throughout the fixture.
It proved to be Palmer's neat finish from outside the box that provied to be crucial after Pascal Gross' headed finish in stoppage time
Starting XI ratings:
GK: Emi Martinez - 6.5
Made an excellent save at 3-2 to keep Chelsea in front, but it was otherwise a relatively comfortable debut. He could do little to prevent either of the three Brighton goals but a decent debut nonetheless.
CB: Wesley Fofana - 7
Defended well and largely kept De Cuyper quiet on the left flank. Brighton’s most dangerous attacks came from the opposite side, with the defender remaining disciplined throughout.
CB: Maxence Lacroix - 7
Had the centre-forward largely in his pocket throughout the game, dealing with him comfortably in one-on-one situations. The main threat came from crosses into the box, rather than through the striker himself.
CB: Levi Colwill - 6.5
Fresh from a well-earned rest, Colwill looked assured when playing out from the back and was composed in possession. Most of Brighton’s attacking threat came down Chelsea’s left flank, rather than through the centre.
RWB: Pedro Neto - 8
The winger enjoyed plenty of joy down the right flank, repeatedly finding space and causing Brighton problems. He capped an excellent start to the game by scoring from Morgan Rogers’ cut-back and should have added an assist to his tally. However, his influence faded in the second half as Chelsea came under greater pressure.
CDM: Malo Gusto - 6.5
An unusual role for the Frenchman but he adapted well, before getting switched to the wing back following Pedro Neto’s substitution.. Nothing extraordinary but did the job required.
CDM: Romeo Lavia - 7
Lavia opened the scoring after just four minutes with a smart finish from a Brighton mistake, with that being his first-ever goal for the club. His midfield presence will need to improve as Chelsea are conceding goals.
LWB Joel Hato - 7.5
Going forward he was energetic and provided an edge in attack on the left. The assist for Joao Pedro’s goal was superb.
CAM: Cole Palmer - 7.5
A fantastic solo goal, which proved to be the winning goal. He was largely quiet up until that moment with Rogers proving to be the cutting edge in the attack today.
CAM: Morgan Rogers - 7.5
Excellent work from the former Aston villa man to put the ball on a plate for Neto to make it 2-0. Really bright again and produced many chances.
ST: Joao Pedro - 8
The Brazilian made a lively start and was heavily involved in Chelsea’s attacking play and he should have added to his tally after missing a golden opportunity midway through the first half. Impressed with the hold-up play he gave Chelsea the outlet.
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