Chelsea player ratings vs Brighton: Cole Palmer produces masterclass but horror show from Robert Sanchez | OneFootball

Mistakes from Sanchez not costly thanks to heroics from Palmer

Cole Palmer scored all four goals as Chelsea hammered Brighton 4-2 at Stamford Bridge

There were defensive errors at both end of the pitch, in what was a thrilling clash. All six goals were scored before the break, with the second-half unable to live up to that entertainment.

Victory takes Chelsea up to third in the table, just a point off Manchester City.

Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at Stamford Bridge...

Robert Sanchez 2

At fault for both Brighton goals. A horrible afternoon against his former club, after a couple of good ones in recent weeks. And yet did also make a couple of excellent saves.

Malo Gusto 6

Fit to start after missing last two league games. Exposed against Mitoma early on but settled.

Wesley Fofana 6

Back at centre-back and and did okay given lack of protection in a wide open game.

Levi Colwill 5

Clearance charged down in lead up to Rutter’s goal. Maybe the least convincing display of what has been an excellent start to the season.

Marc Cucurella 5

Couldn’t challenge in the air for Brighton’s first. Thought he had a goal against former club but disallowed for offside.

Moises Caicedo 6

Overpowered in midfield against the excellent Baleba. Could have dealt with ball quicker in build-up to Brighton opener. Did take advantage of Brighton’s suicidal play winning the ball high up the pitch, though.

Enzo Fernandez 5

Another who looked leggy against a dynamic Brighton midfield. Too slow on the ball in the second-half when might have released forwards.

Noni Madueke 6

Dragged wide from a decent opening. Won the free-kick which Palmer completed hat-trick. Always dangerous against Brighton’s high line.

Cole Palmer 10

An absolute masterclass. Became the first man to score four before half-time in a Premier League game. Could have had two more, and three assists, on top of that.

Brighton had no answer for Chelsea’s main man

AP

Jadon Sancho 8

Very impressive. Won the penalty after excellent wide play, then assisted Palmer’s fourth.

Nicolas Jackson 6

Almost made a meal of chance one-on-one but picked out Palmer just in time. Wasteful in the second-half, though, when twice taking too long to get a shot off.

Substitutes

Pedro Neto (Madueke 63’) 6

Worked hard after introduction and offered a fresh outlet.

Renato Veiga (Cucurella 70’) 6

Brought security down the left.

Mykhailo Mudryk (Sancho 70’) 5

Pace seemed ideally suited to the task but didn't get in behind once.

Christopher Nkunku (Jackson 79’) N/A

Unlucky not to start after midweek hat-trick.

Romeo Lavia (Fernandez 79’) N/A

Back from a hamstring problem. Needs to kick on now.

Unused: Jorgensen, Disasi, Adarabioyo, Felix, Mudryk