Player ratings: Mauricio Pochettino secures first league win thanks to some magic from Raheem Sterling

Chelsea grabbed a first win of the season tonight with an, eventually, comprehensive victory against Luton Town.

Most certainly an important result this evening, the performance, from certain individuals, was positive in spells, and we definitely have something to work with.

The first half was largely all too slow, a common story and theme of our style in the past two seasons, but Raheem Sterling proved to be the difference between the two teams, being involved in all three goals.

Moises Caicedo stood out on his full-debut for the blues, winning duels, tackles, and dictating the play from deep, allowing Enzo Fernandez to play in the free-role that we’ve all been asking to see.

So without any further talk, it’s time to dive in to my first set of player-ratings!

Robert Sanchez – 6/10

A quiet night for Sanchez, so a tricky one to judge. His distribution was decent overall, and his only real save to make from Giles shortly before the second Chelsea goal was arguably a crucial point in the game. Overall, probably an ideal night for the Spanish goalkeeper.

Malo Gusto – 7/10

Two assists for Sterling capped off a great night for Malo Gusto – whilst, aside from the assists, he didn’t standout, his performance was what you’d want from a young defender adjusting to the Premier League.

It feels like we finally have a brilliant, capable backup option for Reece James, and I’d say with Gusto around, we certainly can afford for Reece to take his time without the need of rushing this injury.

Axel Disasi – 6/10

Again, like Sanchez, I felt Disasi had an ideally quiet night. He won 6 out of the 7 ariel duels he competed for, and was good on the ball for us as well. Luton didn’t really get near us tonight (as expected if we’re being honest), and Disasi was a big part of ensuring his right hand side was nullified.

Thiago Silva – 6/10

Thiago Silva continues the theme of having a steady evening – whilst I think his inclusion in the team is 80% of the reason we persist with a back 3 or 5, you can still see the experience he brings.

My only real pick against him is his habit of taking too many touches when on the ball in the defensive third, therefore slowing down our build-up play.

Levi Colwill – 7/10

Out of the first 3 games, I thought tonight was Colwill’s best. He hardly loses a duel, and his passing in that left channel is just superb. He occupies the left back area in build-up quite nicely when Chilwell drives forward, so he’s clearly a nice tactical fit. I still want to see him in a back 4 for us, but that’ll come in time. All in all, a good night for our number 26.

Ben Chilwell – 6/10

I’m not sure what to make of Chilwell’s performance if I’m honest, it just feels a little chaotic in that high left sort of position he plays, but at times, a good chaotic if that makes sense? He should’ve scored tonight and I cannot for the life of me work out why he didn’t shoot with the chance he had early in the second half, but alas, fortunately it didn’t cost us.

Enzo Fernandez – 7/10

For the first time in his Chelsea career, we saw Enzo operate in more of a ‘free role’ higher up the pitch, enabled by having Moises Caicedo in the team. He came close to scoring in the first half, and even aside from that, he did his usual and put in a great performance.

I feel as though he gets better each week, and will continue to do so as his chemistry & understanding with Caicedo grows.

Moises Caicedo – 7/10

A faultless full-debut for our new record signing. Caicedo orchestrated the game really well tonight, and in doing so, allowed Enzo Fernandez to affect the game higher up the pitch.

Not dribbled past, won over half of his 10 duels, and a100% tackle success rate. He’ll have tougher tests, but tonight was a great way to start, and we can forget about what happened against West Ham I’d say.

Conor Gallagher – 6/10

An average performance from Gallagher tonight – I wouldn’t say he was exactly poor, but certainly wasn’t great either.

He’s still too loose in possession, and that was seen with a few over hit passes throughout the game. Once Romeo Lavia is ready for minutes, I think we can expect Gallagher to be the player to drop out.

Raheem Sterling – 8/10

Sterling had one of his best games in a Chelsea shirt tonight, I’m not sure if that’s a reflection on how his time here has gone so far, but he was a huge positive this evening nonetheless.

His linkup play with Jackson was seen in sparks, and scoring twice, with an assist to add, will do the world of good for his confidence. All in all, a standout night for him.

Nicolas Jackson – 7/10

All things considered, I think Jackson had a tidy night tonight, we saw great signs yet again with regards to his linkup play, ball carrying, and runs off the ball – and he deservedly, topped off his performance with a goal.

I’ve seen more than enough from Jackson in these first three games to suggest that he will succeed at Chelsea, and he’s off the mark in front of goal for us.

Mauricio Pochettino – 6/10

Nothing special to report on Pochettino and our setup tonight, and I have to be honest I was a little disappointed and uninspired by the system at the start.

However, I understand his reasoning for it with the horrible injury crisis we find ourselves in again.

One thing I really want to mention though is what he’s done with Sterling – I can’t pinpoint what it is, but he looks a completely different player, full of confidence an quality, and that has to be largely put down to what Poch has done with him, right? I’m delighted for him tonight though, to get his first win with us, and it’s time to build.

Lesley Ugochukwu – N/A

Ian Maatsen – N/A

Mason Burstow – N/A