Chelsea player ratings: Hudson-Odoi’s return is music to Lampard’s ears but Azpilicueta may be looking over his shoulder
CHELSEA beat Brighton 2-0 thanks to goals from Jorginho and Willian to get their Premier League form back on track.
Frank Lampard was pleased that he could bring Callum Hudson-Odoi back into the first team too, before the winger, 18, assisted for the second goal.
Kepa – 7
Had little to do – but did brilliantly to deny Maupay in the first half.
Could do nothing about Dan Burn’s header which hit the bar and went over at 1-0.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Unfussy as ever, but gave the ball away and missed a couple of 50-50s.
On this evidence, the skipper faces a scrap with Reece James to keep his starting spot.
By no means terrible but a tad sloppy at times.
Andreas Christensen – 7
Dealt with threats well in the air and on the ground.
It makes you wonder why he was so shunned by Maurizio Sarri.
Fikayo Tomori – 6
Growing in stature and fits in well alongside Christensen.
If Zouma is fit, surely Tomori stays on board – Rudiger is another matter.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Dangerous getting forward on the left, but missed such a big sitter.
How he sent it wide is anyone’s guess.
Jorginho – 7
Pulled the strings in midfield in N’Golo Kante’s absence.
Stepped up with the penalty when it counted and his passing is so accurate.
Ross Barkley – 6
Good but by no means outstanding from the England international.
Pedro – 5
Should have scored his one-on-one in the first half, but finishing let him down.
Didn’t find the corners of the goal with that and another huge chance.
Mason Mount – 6
Won the penalty and makes a big contribution without being an outright star.
He doesn’t give the ball away, which, when you’re not starring, is so useful.
Willian – 7
So much maligned by Chelsea fans and sometimes it is justified.
His cut inside-shoot technique is predictable and he does it a lot.
Nice run and finish for the second goal though, even if it took a heavy deflection past Mat Ryan off Dan Burn.
Tammy Abraham – 6
Unlucky to hit the post with a first-half header.
ACCA WITH LADBROKES Pick up a whole load of acca features to help you land the big one
CHELSEA NEWS
Should have scored when one-on-one with Ryan on the hour too, and on 77 minutes too.
He would have fancied some goals against this Brighton side.
SUBS
Callum Hudson-Odoi (on for Pedro, 62) – 7
Great assist for Willian and a lovely contribution back in the first-team fold.
Would be good value to start in Lille on Wednesday.
Mateo Kovacic (on for Barkley, 67) – 6
Not much time to contribute and slotted in well alongside Jorginho.
Could oust Barkley in Lille, but it’s neck and neck between the two in fairness.
Michy Batshuayi (on for Abraham, 84) – 6
Not much of a chance to impress, but will remain behind Abraham in the pecking order to lead the line for now.