Chelsea recorded their first Premier League win of 2018 in emphatic fashion on Saturday, thrashing Brighton 4-0 away from home. The Blues went in front early on, with Eden Hazard scoring first. Willian added a second only minutes later, before second-half goals from Hazard and Victor Moses wrapped up the game for Antonio Conte’s side. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated on Saturday:
Willy Caballero – 8
Making his first Premier League start for the club, due to Thibaut Courtiois’ absence, the Argentine made a number of great saves to ensure he kept a clean sheet. Perhaps fortunate not to give away a penalty in the first half.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Captaining the side once again in Gary Cahill’s absence, Azpilicueta was his usual self. Made a superb block late on to make sure the Blues did not concede.
Andreas Christensen – 6 (substituted after 58 minutes)
Solid as ever from the Dane. Coped well defensively, before he was taken off as a precaution following a head injury.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Brighton attacked the left-hand side a lot during the game, and Rudiger was caught out a few times, but was otherwise good.
Victor Moses – 7
Always an option on the right flank, and was involved in a number of Chelsea attacks. Controlled well and finished past Mat Ryan for his goal.
N’Golo Kante – 7
A typical Kante performance yet again. Not his most influential game in a Chelsea shirt, but he did what he had to do when called upon.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 7
A good performance from the Frenchman, who looked promising in possession. A penalty shout against him would’ve been soft, and he was solid.
Marcos Alonso – 6 (substituted after 75 minutes)
Not the Spaniard’s most exciting performance for Chelsea, as he was rather quiet for the majority before being taken off.
Willian – 9 (substituted after 81 minutes)
A brilliant performance from Willian. Linked superbly with Hazard on a number of occasions, and took his goal very well with an empathic finish past Ryan.
Michy Batshuayi – 8
Along with Willian and Hazard, his link-up play was great, and provided a backheel assist for Willian’s goal. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself.
Eden Hazard – 9
Spellbinding performance from Hazard. The Belgian got the ball rolling after three minutes with his goal and was influential in Willian’s. Added Chelsea’s third with a brilliant finish.
Substitutes
David Luiz – 6
Calm and composed when he came on, and coped well with Glenn Murray.
Davide Zappacosta – 6
Didn’t really make an impact on the game.
Charly Musonda – 7
Provided a brilliant ball for Moses’ goal. A special moment for the Belgian.
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