Player ratings : Chelsea escape Selhurst Park with 3 points

Former Crystal Palace loanee Connor Gallagher snatched three points for Chelsea in the last minute as the Blues beat Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park. Chelsea went behind early on when Édouard scored with the help of some poor defending. Goals from Aubameyang and Gallagher, both their first for the club, turned the game on its head for Chelsea, who walked away with their first three points under new manager Graham Potter.

Player Ratings:

Kepa Arrizabalaga- 6/10

Another start for Kepa with Mendy injured, and the Spanish keeper put in a solid performance. Played his role as a sweeper-keeper to good effect, coming off his line to win possession out of his own box at times. Still, however, some concerns about his ability to deal with aerial balls.

Reece James- 8/10

A complete defensive performance from Reece James, who kept one of the best wingers in the league in Wilfried Zaha quiet whenever he attacked down the right side. James looked composed both on the ball and when making tackles. Could have had an assist when his pinpoint cross found Sterling, who hit the post.

Thiago Silva- 7/10

It wouldn’t be unfair to say that this was another complete Thiago Silva performance. Consistent brilliance in defence, both in the tackle and aerially, some fantastic long passing, and even got an assist with a good header to find Aubameyang. It must be acknowledged; however, he made a big error handling the ball on the floor after losing it, and was arguably lucky not to have seen red.

Wesley Fofana- 6/10

A dreadful start for Fofana in the game today, as he completely lost Édouard when a cross came in which led to Palace’s early opener. From that, however, the young centre back grew into the game. He made some impressive dribbles out of defence and looked to show a confident side to himself. An important block from a Zaha cross late in the game saved what could have been a winning goal for Palace.

Ben Chilwell- 5/10

A difficult game for Chilwell, who struggled defensively against an aggressive Palace side. He allowed Ayew too much time and space to pick out a cross for Édouard’s opener and struggled to deal with Zaha when he switched sides to attack Chelsea’s left.

Jorginho- 4/10

A poor performance from the Italian midfielder, who was overrun easily in midfield on too many occasions. Jorginho struggled to deal with Palace’s aggressive midfield, and always looked a few moments behind the game. Perhaps some sympathy can be given, as he came off early in the second half and looked to be struggling with an injury.

Mateo Kovačić- 4/10

The other half of Chelsea’s defensive midfield which looked so vulnerable today. Similar to Jorginho, the Croatian always looked to be a few seconds behind the game, making late tackles, being caught out of position. A late yellow card for a poor challenge summed up a difficult performance.

Mason Mount- 3/10

There will be a big overreaction to this performance today, however, it was a very poor one. Everything that could go wrong for Mount today did. An early headed chance was flashed wide, before later in the game again fluffing another big chance. Plenty of misplaced through balls did nothing to help his performance. A dreadful free kick from five yards out which didn’t hit the target was the worst moment for Mount today.

Kai Havertz- 5/10

After having a strong International break, especially with two goals against England, including one screamer, Havertz came back into the Chelsea side today with a hope he would have re-discovered his goal scoring touch. That was not the case, however, as once again the German never looked like scoring for the Blues. His overall game was not awful, but his lack of goals, and more particularly goal scoring threat, is concerning.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang- 7/10

Chelsea’s new striker is off the mark for the club with a brilliant finish that levelled the scores at 1-1 late in the first half. Aubameyang did brilliantly to take the ball down with his chest, before flashing a shot that went inside the near post. Some good teamwork as well, as he looked to drop deeper throughout the game to help the Chelsea side.

Raheem Sterling- 5/10

Another player who just lacked any real threat in attack today. Sterling looked lively on the ball- always wanting to run at defenders. It was his end product that was so severely lacking today. Poor decision making, poor passing, and even poor shooting at times. One to forget for one of Chelsea’s summer signings who has started the season positively.

Subs

Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 6/10

Coming on just after half-time for Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek did a good job suring up a midfield that had looked massively off the pace in the first half. He struggled to have an impact going forward but did improve the Chelsea team overall.

Connor Gallagher- 8/10

Wow – What can you say about that? Gallagher, who let’s face it has had a torrid start to the season, scored an absolute screamer to win Chelsea the game, and hopefully turn his year around. A powerful, curling, vicious strike into the top corner earned Chelsea a vital three points against his former club. Brilliant from the young man.

Armando Broja- N/A

Christian Pulisic- N/A

Graham Potter- 7/10

Thanks to a late goal, Potter has his first three points for Chelsea secured, and the new coach can take great credit in earning the win. The decision to bring on Pulisic – who got the assist, and Gallagher – who got the goal, proved to be masterstrokes. Not a complete performance by any means, but an important one.

Twitter- @Kieranroy1