Chelsea player ratings: Conor Gallagher revels in new role but summer signing very rusty on first Blues appearance
CONOR GALLAGHER shined for Chelsea in their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
The midfielder revelled in a new role for Mauricio Pochettino’s side as they snatched a late win at Stamford Bridge.
Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke were on the scoresheet for the Blues either side of Michael Olise’s equaliser.
However, summer signing Romeo Lavia looked rusty as he made his long-awaited debut.
Here is how SunSport rated the performances of the Chelsea stars.
Djordje Petrovic – 7
Looked a little nervous early on, colliding with team-mate Alex Disasi. Good save after the break to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta and another from Michael Olise late on.
Malo Gusto – 7
Great double link up with Mykhailo Mudryk for the opening goal. Made crucial intervention in the other box straight after. Popped up all over the pitch.
Axel Disasi – 7
Helped keep Palace at bay in a solid performance at the back. Switched from centre of defence to right back when Thiago Silva came on.
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Benoit Badiashile – 6
Baled out by his keeper after Mateta turned and then out-paced the centre-back early in the second half. Not the most convincing display.
Levi Colwill – 5
Nodded off for the goal that made it 1-1 as Michael Olise gave him the slip at the back post. Olise had been at him from the first kick. First to be hooked.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Could have been booked early on for clattering Olise. Did it again early in the second period and was cautioned this time.
Conor Gallagher – 7
Acting skipper is revelling in his midfield enforcer role as well as play-making. Corners not so hot though. Set up Nicolas Jackson for what should have been a goal.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 7
Great throughball for early chance for Ian Maatsen, took his first one superbly to open the scoring. Hurt in the second period and had to go off.
Christopher Nkunku – 5
Long-awaited first start for the summer signing from RB Leipzig. Might have had a pen before the break, though VAR probably got it right. Looked understandably rusty.
Ian Maatsen – 6
Lively down the right, Dutchman almost marked his first Blues start with an early goal. Caught in possession for the equaliser though.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Missed great chance to make it 2-1 and then netted a much better one straight after that was ruled out for offside.
Subs
Thiago Silva (58, for Colwill) – 7
Veteran ended Colwill’s torment by coming off the bench.
Romeo Lavia (58, for Matsen) – 4
First sighting of the £58million summer signing. Should have been booked. Looked very rusty.
Noni Madueke (71, for Nkunku) – 7
Won and converted the spot-kick that sealed it.
Armando Broja (71, for Mudryk) – 4
Great touch but hurried finish for late miss.
Alfie Gilchrist (90, for Badiashile)
On to use up some stoppage-time.