In yet another triumphant display, Chelsea secured another victory against Brighton and Hove Albion. Mauricio Pochettino's squad, having already triumphed over Brighton twice at Stamford Bridge, extended their dominance with a win on away turf as well. This latest victory marked Pochettino's fourth triumph over Robert De Zerbi's side this season, including pre-season encounters. For Chelsea, after a challenging season the year before, it seemed business as usual against the Seagulls, reaffirming their dominance in the matchup. They won 2-1 with Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku scoring before Danny Welbeck halved the lead late in the second half injury time after Reece James was sent off. Here are three lessons learned:
Cole Palmer continues to shine with teammates also stepping up
Once again, Cole Palmer showcased his prowess as he claimed the title of player of the match. The young Englishman made his mark by initiating the scoring for the visitors with a spectacular header, skillfully connected by a precise cross from Marc Cucrella. This goal marked Palmer's 22nd in the Premier League and his 27th of the season. Notably, the former Manchester City player has now matched Frank Lampard's impressive goal tally for Chelsea in both the league and the entire season. Palmer's ongoing development throughout the season is nothing short of remarkable, with his header serving as a testament to his hard work and dedication.
In his return to his former home turf, summer signing Moises Caicedo stood out as one of the top performers of the day. Despite the boos echoing from the home fans, the Ecuadorian midfielder remained unfazed, commanding the midfield with authority. Similarly, another former Brighton player, Marc Cucurella, delivered a solid performance, continuing his recent streak of good form.
Over the past few matches, certain players have been consistently starting, while others have been returning from injuries. This continuity has contributed significantly to Chelsea's recent improvement, complemented by the consistent displays of Cole Palmer throughout the season. Christopher Nkunku, who has struggled with injuries, emerged as one of the standout players upon his return. He sealed a remarkable day with the winning goal, punctuated by his trademark celebration.
While there have been some shortcomings, such as the lack of clean sheets and missed opportunities from Nicolas Jackson, along with occasional errors in the final ball, these areas can be addressed as the players gain more experience and cohesion on the field. Manager Mauricio Pochettino will be eager for this positive momentum to continue into their final match of the season at Stamford Bridge against Bournemouth.