Chelsea 2-0 Brighton and Hove Albion, Premier League: Post-match reaction, ratings

Chelsea started brightly, and other than a brief lull in the middle of the first-half, dominated the visitors in all phases of the game. But despite 17 first-half shots, Chelsea could not find the breakthrough, with at least 3 great chances missed and Brighton also blocking no fewer than 9 of those attempts.

The second half began much in the same way, with Chelsea making great use of the high press to create opportunities. Mount nipping in on a loose touch won Chelsea a penalty, which Jorginho converted. Abraham getting onto a loose back pass should’ve doubled Chelsea’s advantage.

The missed opportunities gave Brighton a chance to grow into the game, and they even hit the bar from a corner, but Willian’s finish from a Hudson-Odoi pass doubled Chelsea’s advantage in the 75th minute and from then on it was smooth sailing.

There was still time for Abraham to miss a golden opportunity, but Chelsea held on to the three points with minimum of fuss. A first home league win for Frank Lampard, and a clean sheet to boot!

KTBFFH.

• Big rotation from midweek, but just two changes from last weekend, with Pedro and Barkley starting in place of Kovačić and Kanté, the latter missing out due to yet another injury — hamstring this time, though it sounds like the move was precautionary more than anything.
• 4-2-3-1 with Barkley-Jorginho pivot (!), Mount as the No.10, Pedro and Willian flanking Abraham. Tomori and Christensen in the middle, with Alonso and Azpilicueta as the marauding full backs.
• Like-for-like substitutions in Hudson-Odoi for Pedro, Kovačić for Barkley, Batshuayi for Abraham.
• It’s unclear who the “designated” penalty taker is these days, but it’s definitely not Barkley.
• A CLEAN SHEET AND A HOME WIN!
• Next up: Lille away in the Champions League on Wednesday
• Carefree

PLAYER RATINGS: