Chelsea player ratings vs Brighton: Cole Palmer can't be kept on the bench! Blues new boy unlocks Nicolas Jackson to seal pressure-easing Carabao Cup win

The summer signings combined to ensure the Blues' three-game winless run came to an end at Stamford Bridge

Nicolas Jackson was the hero for Chelsea as they ended a miserable run to beat Brighton 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday. An excellent team move culminated in a deft pass from Cole Palmer - who impressed throughout his first start for the club - into the striker's path as he lashed home the Blues' first goal in four matches.

Jackson had a good chance saved later in the half and then thought he had doubled his team's lead, but was denied by the linesman's flag.

Mauricio Pochettino will breathe a sigh of relief after his team's winless streak stopped at three games, with the likes of Palmer, Ian Maatsen and Marc Cucurella making strong cases for a place in the starting XI going forward.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge...

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (5/10):
Distribution was terrible! Gifted his former team two golden chances in the first half but a good save denied March an equaliser.
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
Fought hard to win the ball and did well despite despite being on his weaker side at right-back.
Axel Disasi (6/10):
Comfortable on the ball and made a strong block in the second half.
Levi Colwill (7/10):
Strong positioning and decent distribution, proving he is worthy of a spot in the starting XI.
Ben Chilwell (5/10):
Not his strongest performance at left-back - looked suspect defensively and offered little going forward.

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Midfield
Moises Caicedo (5/10):
Gave away a huge chance in the first half and was not convincing throughout.
Chimuanya Ugochukwu (5/10):
Should have been sent off for a second yellow card late in the first half and his passing was not up to scratch.
Cole Palmer (7/10):
Saw plenty of the ball and tried his best to influence attacking moves, culminating in a nice assist.
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Attack
Ian Maatsen (7/10):
Looked positive on the ball and played a role in the opening goal. Pressed hard and was effective at cutting out Brighton's crosses on his side.
Nicolas Jackson (7/10):
Under pressure from the Brighton defence and struggled to deal with it until he applied a fine finish to a lovely team move. Thought he had a second but the flag ended his celebration.
Mykhailo Mudryk (6/10):
Another bright display with some good touches and smart attempts to link up with Jackson.

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Subs & Manager
Raheem Sterling (4/10):
Had plenty of time but barely saw the ball.
Enzo Fernandez (5/10):
Played the last 15 minutes but did not get to impact the game.
Conor Gallagher (5/10):
On the same time as Enzo and tried to get on the ball.
Armando Broja (6/10):
Only on for the last four minutes and did more in a few seconds than Sterling did in over 20 minutes.
Mauricio Pochettino (7/10):
Will be happy to see his team finally get a goal and a win after a worrying run of results. Will hope Palmer and Jackson's link up is a sign of things coming together, but still needs to find a way to get Mudryk to capitalise on the promise he has shown in recent matches.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager