Brighton 1-3 Chelsea: Player Ratings as new-look Blues record hard-fought victory | Premier League 2020-21

Chelsea Player Ratings

Chelsea did not have a comfortable game

Kepa Arrizabalaga - 5.5/10

Kepa Arrizabalaga did not have much to do during the game but failed to keep a clean sheet and was beaten by yet another long-range shot. The Spanish shot-stopper had several nervy moments and is unlikely to remain Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper.

Kurt Zouma - 7.5/10

Kurt Zouma was in excellent shape defensively and was able to counter the threat of Neal Maupay with relative ease. The Chelsea centre-back scored his side's third goal after his shot took a massive deflection and found the back of the net.

Andreas Christensen - 7.5/10

Andreas Christensen had one of his best games in a Chelsea shirt and made several crucial interceptions to thwart Brighton's determined forward line. The centre-back was comfortable on the ball and will want to build on this performance over the next few weeks.

Marcos Alonso - 5.5/10

Marcos Alonso did not look comfortable against Tariq Lamptey and was tormented by his opposite number throughout the game. The Spanish full-back lost several individual battles against Brighton and will likely be replaced by Ben Chilwell in Chelsea's starting eleven.

REECE JAMES 😱OCKET pic.twitter.com/Kh1ZbmrXtx

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 14, 2020

Reece James - 7.5/10

Reece James picked the perfect occasion to score his first Premier League goal and did it in style with an unstoppable thunderbolt and left Brighton stunned. The goal gave Chelsea a much-needed lead and knocked the wind out of Brighton's sails for the rest of the game.

Jorginho - 7/10

Jorginho had a positive outing for Chelsea in the middle of the pitch. The Italian maestro scored Chelsea's penalty with consummate ease and improved as the game progressed.

From the spot, Jorginho is deadly! 🙌That's our first goal of the @PremierLeague season!🔵 0-1 💙 [22'] #BHACHE pic.twitter.com/fd1re69g2m

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 14, 2020

N'golo Kante - 6.5/10

N'golo Kante may not have been as influential as he would have liked on the night but managed to break up some of Brighton's play in the midfield. The Chelsea star grew into the game after Ross Barkley's introduction and ended the match on a high.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 6/10

Ruben Loftus-Cheek played in an attacking midfield position against Brighton and failed to link up with his teammates in the final third. The Chelsea star will have to do much better to keep his place in Frank Lampard's starting eleven.

Mason Mount - 6/10

Mason Mount did not have much of an influence on the final third and will have to improve to keep his place in Chelsea' starting eleven. The English midfielder did use his intelligence to create a few chances for his side but was largely anonymous throughout the game.

Kai Havertz did not have a comfortable night

Kai Havertz - 5.5/10

Kai Havertz did not have the best of debuts for Chelsea and did not seem to be on the same page as his attacking teammates. The German star did have his moments and will hope to improve under Frank Lampard.

Timo Werner - 6.5/10

Chelsea's star striker started the game well and was a livewire in the first half. Timo Werner used his pace to mesmerising effect on a few occasions and won Chelsea the penalty that led to their first goal. The German forward faded away in the second half, however, and will need to work on his consistency.

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Substitutes

Ross Barkley made a significant impact off the bench

Ross Barkley - 7/10

Ross Barkley was a massive improvement over Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the second half and his presence in the midfield allowed Chelsea to dominate the game. Frank Lampard may decide to give the midfielder a start against Liverpool next week.

Callum Hudson-Odoi - 6/10

Callum Hudson-Odoi came on as a late substitute for Chelsea and was not given enough time on the pitch to make an impact.

Cesar Azpilicueta - 6.5/10

Frank Lampard gave Cesar Azpilicueta a few minutes towards the end of the game to ensure that Chelsea came away with all three points. The Spaniard made a few recoveries and was assured in possession.

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