Chelsea Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace: Chalobah stars again; Mount, Jorginho get 8/10

Trevoh Chalobah had a Premier League debut to remember as Chelsea started the season with a thumping 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Coming into the game fresh after their UEFA Super Cup triumph earlier in the week, Chelsea enjoyed a positive start to the game which paid off in the 27th minute when Marcos Alonso curled home a free-kick from the edge of the area into the top corner.

Five minutes from half-time the Blues doubled their lead through Christian Pulisic who pounced on a spill from Vicente Guaita, who could not hold Mason Mount’s dangerous cross. The game was over a little before the hour mark as Trevoh Chalobah drove home a low effort from over 20 yards out to put Chelsea three in front.

Crystal Palace hardly mustered up any threat for the rest of the game, as Chelsea saw off the contest without any hiccups. It was a strong performance from Thomas Tuchel & co. building up on their Super Cup success. Here are the Chelsea player ratings following a winning start to their 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

Edouard Mendy: 6/10

Very little to do on the afternoon as Crystal Palace hardly threatened the Chelsea goal. One of the easiest clean sheets he will have kept in his career.

Trevoh Chalobah: 8/10

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What a week it has been for the 22-year-old Chelsea academy graduate. After making his debut for the first-team and putting in a stellar display in the Super Cup, he continued from where he left off on his Premier League bow. Looked calm and composed on the ball even when Palace tried to press him, solid in his defensive work and scored a fine goal to top a fine display. Surely has played himself into Tuchel’s plans for the season.

Andreas Christensen: 7/10

One of the few changes that Tuchel made from the Super Cup clash, Christensen replaced Kurt Zouma in the starting XI and enjoyed a solid outing. Hardly troubled by the physical Crystal Palace strikers,  sprayed some nice passes out wide to spread play. Looked in control.

Antonio Rudiger: 7/10

Another typical, no-nonsense display from the German international, who Chelsea must look to tie down to a new deal at the earliest. Assured at the back, played out some good passes and produced a fine block to deny Wilfried Zaha.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 7/10

Came in for Callum Hudson-Odoi at right wing-back, the Chelsea captain did what was needed of him. Not a lot of defending to do given Chelsea’s control of the proceedings, the Spaniard got forward to good effect and had some nice moments of interplay with Mason Mount, including once in the lead-up to the second goal.

Jorginho: 8/10

Coming into the lineup at the expense of the injured N’Golo Kante, the UEFA Euro 2020 winner looked sharp despite his late return to pre-season and was key to Chelsea controlling the proceedings as they did. Remarkable on the ball as usual, also made some crucial interventions when needed.

Mateo Kovacic: 7/10

Despite having played the 120 minutes in midweek, Chelsea’s new No.8 started strongly, making some driving runs forward that caused the visitors problems. More reserved as the game went on, helping his team keep Palace pinned back.

Marcos Alonso: 8/10

Another game, another top display from the Spaniard, despite all the speculations over his future at Stamford Bridge. Fine free-kick to get Chelsea up and running in the first half and provided a constant outlet with his energetic runs. Did get caught out in the second half leading to Zaha’s chance but a solid performance overall.

Mason Mount: 8/10

One could hardly tell that he has not had any pre-season minutes under his belt, as the Englishman made constant inroads with his sharp movement and energy, getting in between the centre-back and the full-back in the right-side channel. Won the free-kick from which Alonso scored, then forced Guaita’s error with a dangerous cross leading to the second. Slowed down after the break a little which was understandable.

Christian Pulisic: 7/10

Getting the nod ahead of Kai Havertz, the USMNT international justified his selection. Forced a save early on with a header before finding the back of the net after showing good instincts to react to Guaita’s spill. Will need to build on this display.

Timo Werner: 5/10

With Romelu Lukaku back at Stamford Bridge, Werner needed a big performance on Saturday as his place is under serious threat. Unfortunately, it was not to be for the German, who was found wanting with his end product and decision-making even though his pace caused a few issues.

SUBSTITUTES

Reece James: 6/10

On for Azpilicueta in the 65th minute. Minutes on the pitch will do the Englishman good after not being involved in the pre-season.

Kai Havertz: N/A

On for Pulisic with less than ten minutes left.

Emerson Palmieri: N/A

Replaced Alonso for the final five minutes or so.