Chelsea celebrated Boxing Day with a comprehensive win over Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. After a nervy first half, the Blues found their rhythm in the second, and opened the scoring less than a minute after the break. Alvaro Morata scored on his return from suspension, and Marcos Alonso scored later on to give Antonio Conte’s side all three points. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated:
Thibaut Courtois – 6
A relatively straightforward afternoon, who had little to do. Saved well from Glenn Murray late on, but was otherwise untroubled by Brighton.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Coped well defensively and got forward well at times. Almost had an assist with a good knock-down, but Bakayoko couldn’t hit the target.
Gary Cahill – 6
Started in the middle of the back three, with Andreas Christensen out through illness. Effective in the middle and coped well.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8
Provided the assist for Morata’s goal. The Spaniard provided a peach of a cross for his compatriot’s header. It’s the sixth time he’s assisted the striker.
Victor Moses – 6
Good performance from Moses, who dominated the right-hand side for large spells of the game. Could’ve scored a couple of efforts.
N’Golo Kante – 6
A typical performance from Kante. Controlled the midfield and broke up the play well. Had a few opportunities to shoot, but opted to pass.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6
The Frenchman would be disappointed not to score on this occasion, after he missed a number of golden chances. But an otherwise good performance from Bakayoko.
Cesc Fabregas – 7
Fantastic performance from Fabregas. Involved in the majority of Chelsea’s play, and his corner led to Chelsea’s second goal as Alonso glanced in.
Marcos Alonso – 8
Grabbed Chelsea’s second with a good header, and could’ve had a couple more but was denied by Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
Eden Hazard – 8
Chelsea’s main man again. The Blues’ attacking outlet once again, and always looked a threat going forward. Unlucky not score as his shot was cleared off the line.
Alvaro Morata – 8
Opened the scoring moments into the second half with a great header. His presence in the opposition area was sorely missed in recent fixtures.
Substitutes
Willian – 6
Kept the ball well at times, but didn’t create any chances of note.
Michy Batshuayi – 6
Had a half chance late on, but didn’t have the time to make his desired impact.
Danny Drinkwater – N/A
Only introduced with minutes to go.