Derren Howard's Brighton player ratings v Chelsea: Debut ace shines with 8/10 but clumsy defender nets 4/10

Brighton's Solly March is booked for a foul on Chelsea's Ben ChilwellBrighton's Solly March is booked for a foul on Chelsea's Ben Chilwell
Brighton's Solly March is booked for a foul on Chelsea's Ben Chilwell
Brighton and Hove Albion played out a 4-3 defeat with Chelsea in the first match of the Premier League Summer Series

Brighton opened the scoring on 13 minutes at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia with a nice set-piece routine that was finished expertly by experienced striker Danny Welbeck.

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Brighton were impressive in the first half but Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea levelled on 19 minutes with a smart finish from Christopher Nkunku. Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke was sent off after picking up a red for clumsy challenge on Cesare Casadei and Mykhailo Mudryk made it 2-1 as he smashed home a half volley from the edge of the box on 65 minutes.

Chelsea added a third as Coner Gallagher converted from close range and Nicolas Jackson powered home a fourth after a nice throughball from former Albion player Marc Cucurella. Brighton’s record signing Joao Pedro impressed in the second half and converted a penalty – after being fouled by Levi Colwill – to make it 4-2.

Deniz Undav netted a well-taken and deserved third for 10-man Brighton after fine play from Pedro. Here’s how the Albion players rated.

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Jason Steele 6/10: Very little chance with the goal. Always good in possession and looked confident on crosses.

Jack Hinshelwood 6/10: Started at right back and didn’t put a foot wrong. Performed his defensive duties well and looked to bomb forward when he could.

Jan Paul van Hecke 4/10: Could not really argue with his red card after picking up a red for a late and clumsy challenge on Casadei. Did okay up until that point and will learn. Big season ahead for the talented young Netherlands defender.

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Adam Webster 7/10: Very impressed with his display. Looks back to full fitness and will be a huge player for Brighton this season.

Pascal Gross 7/10: Captained the team and played at left back and dealt well with Raheem Sterling. Very rarely puts a foot wrong.

Mo Dahoud 8/10: Very impressive debut. First impression of Mo Dahoud... looks very tidy, moves well into advanced positions, technically excellent with both feet and spots the pass quickly. Very promising indeed!

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Billy Gilmour 6/10: Clever on the ball and remained very disciplined in his midfield role. Pressed well and a big season waits.

Adam Lallana 6/10: Great to see him fit and ready once more. Influenced the midfield well and conducted the press in the first half.

Solly March 6/10: Fit once again after hamstring injuries and looked strong and powerful on the right wing. Always an attacking threat. Booked for a foul on Ben Chilwell.

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Kaoru Mitoma 7/10: Lively down the left flank and a fine assist for Danny Welbeck’s opener.

Danny Welbeck 7/10: Very impressive finish for his opening goal and almost scored a second soon after with a sharp first time effort.

Subs:

Bart Verbruggen 6/10: No chance with Mudryk’s, Gallagher’s and Jackson’s goals on his debut.

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Deniz Undav 7/10: Cracking finish to net Brighton’s third after Pedro’s cut back. A master finisher.

Simon Adingra 6/10: Making his Brighton debut but could not get on the ball as Chelsea dominated in the second half. Dropped deeper after van Hecke’s dismissal.

Joel Veltman 6/10: Moved in the centre back role after van Hecke’s red.

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Joao Pedro 8/10: Looked lively on his first outing. Won and scored the penalty and provided an assist for Undav’s goal. Very good.

Hasin Ayari 6/10, Julio Enciso 6/10, Steven Alzate 6/10, Jensen Weir 6/10, Imari Samuels 6/10.