Brighton defender Gaetan Bong challenges N'Golo Kante. Picture by Getty Images Chelsea ran out 3-0 winners over Brighton at Stamford Bridge this evening as Callum Hudson-Odoi starred on his first Premier League start.
The young winger set up Olivier Giroud for the opener on 38 minutes before Eden Hazard and Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored with stunning finishes in the second half. Here's how we rated the players of both teams.
No real chance with any of the goals but made a couple of straight-forward saves in the second half. Club captain made his first Premier League appearance since December. Had his hands full up against Hazard. Deflected goalbound Hudson-Odoi shot over early on and crucial block to deny Giroud. Dominant in the air as usual. Giroud got in between Albion's central defensive duo to score Chelsea's opener. Sent a couple of long crossfield passes straight to an Albion team-mate in the first half. Back in the starting line-up but had a tough night up against Hudson-Odoi, who was a constant threat and set up Chelsea's opener. Helped Albion keep hold of the ball when they won back possession in the first half but Chelsea were much more dominant in the second period. Led a couple of breaks in the first half and decent on the ball. Tougher second half. One brilliant run and cross caused a moment of panic at the back for Chelsea in the first half. Difficult evening up against the quality in Chelsea's midfield. Volleyed half-chance into the side netting from a tight angle. Lost possession to Hudson-Odoi a couple of times but tracked back to stop Azpilicueta from getting in. Subbed early through injury. Back in the starting line-up after missing three games. Full of running and looked to hold the ball up. Delivered the cross which set up March half-chance when Albion broke quickly. Winger had few other opportunities to get forward. Replaced March after half-an-hour but didn't see much of the ball in an attacking sense. Missed late chance for a consolation. Came on for Andone for the last 20 minutes. Continue Reading