Chelsea boss Graham Potter suffered a nightmare return to the Amex Stadium as Brighton & Hove Albion smashed his side 4-1 on Saturday in the Premier League.
Thiago Silva dramatically twice cleared off the Chelsea goal line in the opening five minutes before Leandro Trossard gave Brighton the lead. The Blues shot themselves on their foot as both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Chalobah scored own goals.
Kai Havertz pulled a goal back for the visitors early in the second half, but Pascal Gross capped a brilliant day for the Seagulls with a strike in stoppage time.
Let us take a look at the Chelsea player ratings in their demoralising 4-1 defeat to Brighton.
Chelsea Player Ratings vs Brighton
Kepa Arrizabalaga- 5/10
While Kepa has been in good form for Chelsea of late, he was rounded far too easily by Trossard for Brighton’s opener. He had no chance to avoid the second and third goals. Towards the end of the first half, the Spaniard started struggling with an injury and was subsequently hooked off at half-time.
Trevoh Chalobah- 4/10
Trevoh Chalobah was unlucky to put Pervis Estupinan’s cross back into Chelsea’s net, thus, scoring an own goal. In a forgettable afternoon for Chelsea, he was probably their best defender.
Thiago Silva- 4/10
Thiago Silva made two excellent goal-line clearances inside five minutes, one of which made up for his own mistake, but the veteran defender was at fault for ceding possession for Brighton’s opening goal. The Brazilian failed to exert his dominance over the Brighton forwards in any way and endured a poor day at the Amex Stadium.
Marc Cucurella- 3/10
It was not surprising to watch the reception Marc Cucurella got from the Brighton fans on his return. He was time and again exposed by his former teammates.
Christian Pulisic- 3/10
Operating in a hybrid right wing-back and right-wing position, Christian Pulisic looked lost for most of the game. He had the chance to equalise for Chelsea but scuffed his shot. Lacked awareness for Brighton’s third goal of the game, suggesting he is not at all suited for the wing-back role.
Conor Gallagher- 5/10
Chelsea’s brightest player of the afternoon. Conor Gallagher missed a simple chance from eight yards out before his header was saved well by Sanchez. Put in a brilliant cross for Kai Havertz’s header early on in the second half.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 4/10
He was sluggish to react when March’s corner deflected in off his leg into the back of the net. Switched to the right flank after the break and played a part in Havertz’s goal.
Mateo Kovacic- 4/10
Couldn’t control the game as he would have liked, as the Brighton players ran rings around Kovacic. Booked for a high challenge on March in the first half.
Raheem Sterling- 3/10
Far too easily dispossessed for Brighton’s third goal. Offensively, Raheem Sterling had his moments but was abject when performing his defensive duties. Gave another reminder as to why he is not suited to a wing-back role.
Mason Mount- 4/10
Mason Mount had a quiet afternoon compared to the standards he has set in recent weeks. He was wasteful when going forward, lacking the cutting edge in the final third.
Kai Havertz- 5/10
Stretched Brighton’s defence with penetrative runs. Planted a superb header early in the second half but missed a decent opening in the 86th minute. A decent individual display that should give the German some confidence.
Substitutes
Edouard Mendy- 4/10
Came on at half-time for the injured Kepa in what was his first game under Graham Potter. A few nervy moments but Mendy steadied himself to make a couple of vital blocks and interceptions.
Ben Chilwell- 4/10
Showed great energy and attacking impetus after coming on in the 63rd minute.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang- 4/10
Tested Sanchez from distance but failed to have the impact in the game as he would have liked.
Hakim Ziyech- 4/10
Almost spectacularly scored from a free-kick which Sanchez had misjudged.
Armando Broja- 3/10
Never really had the time to influence the game.
