Joao Pedro a central figure - player ratings for Chelsea v Brighton

Emiliano Martinez, the recent signing, was called into action early, dealing with two crosses and turning away efforts from Malick Yalcouye and Charalampos Kostoulas, although the former managed to beat him with a well‑placed volley. He was tested again as Brighton pushed for an equaliser in the second half. Rating: 8 Wesley Fofana drove forward well in possession and helped push Brighton players back during the build‑up. Rating: 7 Maxence Lacroix, the new arrival from Crystal Palace, looked comfortable on the ball but was not entirely convincing in a defensive display that occasionally looked ragged. Rating: 6 Levi Colwill also appeared at ease with the ball but was caught out of position at times under head coach Xabi Alonso’s system. Rating: 6 Pedro Neto tapped in Chelsea’s second chance and created an opportunity for Joao Pedro, though he bore some responsibility for over‑committing in the build‑up to Brighton’s opening goal. Rating: 7 Malo Gusto operated out of position in midfield. His performance was quiet, but he delivered a couple of useful corners. Rating: 6 Romeo Lavia, after threatening to score from a similar situation mid‑week, netted his first Chelsea goal four minutes after coming on. Rating: 7 Jorrel Hato, the Dutch wing‑back, supplied a fantastic assist on the counter‑attack. Rating: 7 Cole Palmer struck with a superb curling effort in the 75th minute. He worked hard but also missed a good chance early in the second half. Rating: 8 Joao Pedro produced a clever flick for Chelsea’s opening goal, showed several excellent touches and made amends for a missed opportunity by scoring the Blues’ third. Rating: 8 Morgan Rogers’ powerful run down the flank set up Neto for Chelsea’s second goal. He deserved another assist, but Palmer’s effort sailed over the bar. Rating: 7 Substitutes: Josh Acheampong (on 68 for Fofana) helped steady Chelsea’s defence after his introduction. Rating: 6 Reece James (on 68 for Neto) contributed at both ends of the pitch and added energy down the flank. Rating: 7 Moises Caicedo (on 68 for Lavia) saw his day cut short after just 11 minutes, leaving the field in tears. Rating: 6 Pep Chavarria (on 72 for Colwill) provided an energetic cameo and looked eager to push forward. Rating: 6 Valentin Barco (on 82 for Caicedo) Rating: 6 Substitutes not used: Penders, Gittens, Estevao Willian, Welbeck.