A clinical attacking display gave Mauricio Pochettino’s side a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Seagulls and edged them closer to Europe.

Chelsea may ultimately be the most confusing team in the Premier League this season, but Wednesday evening’s 2-1 victory over Brighton was a showing of confidence and composure for the most part – and a glimpse of what Mauricio Pochettino’s squad looks like at near-full strength.

Cole Palmer continued his ridiculously impressive debut campaign for the Blues, opening the scoring in the first half with a lovely flicked header. The assist, provided by ex-Brighton man Marc Cucurella, was just as good, as the Spaniard had one of his best performances of the season.

Substitute Christopher Nkunku didn’t take long to truly announce his return from injury. The France international netted the eventual winner, sweeping home a controlled finish after a pinpoint cross from fellow countryman Malo Gusto.

In the 86th minute, though, chaos descended. Chelsea captain Reece James was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Joao Pedro after a lengthy VAR check. With 10 minutes of stoppage time added, Brighton went on an attacking tear – with Danny Welbeck finding the back of the net in the 97th minute.

Chelsea did hold on for another crucial win, though, despite the recklessness from James putting them in an uncomfortable and dangerous spot to close out the match. Due to their superior goal difference, the Blues are all-but guaranteed European football next season.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Djordje Petrovic (7/10):

Big save in first-half stoppage time, was immense in goal when called upon.

Malo Gusto (8/10):

Locked down a menacing Adingra with a really solid performance and capped it off with a truly sensational assist for Nkunku’s goal.

Trevoh Chalobah (7/10):

Has really stepped it up of late for Chelsea, and put in another composed performance in defence.

Benoit Badiashile (7/10):

Marked Joao Pedro well, but had a few nervy moments. Regardless, another solid showing without a true hiccup.

Marc Cucurella (8/10):

Haunted his former club with this display; a brilliant assist for Palmer’s opener and was defensively composed all evening.

Midfield

Conor Gallagher (6/10):

Not his most influential game for Chelsea, but he played his role well. Wasn’t allowed to get forward as much as he’d hope, but was solid with Caicedo.

Moises Caicedo (7/10):

Ran the midfield against his former club despite the boos raining down with some precision passing and good physical play.

Cole Palmer (8/10):

Chelsea’s starboy continues to shine, this time with a cute header. Another top performance.

Attack

Noni Madueke (5/10):

Continues to be lively in moments, but struggles with selfishness in the final third. Not his best day.

Nicolas Jackson (6/10):

Scored a header that was called back for a foul in first-half stoppage time and spurned a glorious opportunity to create a goal for Nkunku. Never stopped running, though.Mykhalo Mudryk (5/10):

Incredibly lively during his first-half cameo, but was taken off after taking a shoulder to the head. Baffling as to how VAR deemed the challenge “inconclusive” after the intent from Tariq Lamptey.

Subs & Manager

Reece James (4/10):

Notched another 20 minutes under his belt, replacing Gusto, as he continues his return from injury. However, he was sent off for violent conduct with a straight red card with minutes to spare. Needless.

Christopher Nkunku (8/10):

A brilliant cameo off the bench, he was electric on the wing and capped it off with a winning goal.

Raheem Sterling (6/10):

Subbed on with 20 minutes to go and put in a shift defensively.

Thiago Silva (NA):

Subbed on after James’ needless red.

Cesare Casadei (NA):

Brought on with two minutes to spare after Brighton bagged a late goal.

Lesley Ugochukwu (NA):

Same as Casadei.

Mauricio Pochettino (8/10):

Chelsea boss Pochettino got his XI right, and surely was pleased with the performance. He was unlucky to lose Mudryk early, but adjusted well tactically and got the rest of his subs right.