TIMO WERNER netted a debut goal for the Blues but Frank Lampard’s side couldn’t quite see out the victory as they drew 1-1 with Brighton on the South coast.
The German took less than four minutes to open his Chelsea account.
Werner got Chelsea off to a flying startCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And it appeared it would be enough for a morale-boosting pre-season victory – especially after Neal Maupay missed a second-half penalty.
But Pascal Gross made no mistake when Brighton were presented with a second opportunity from 12 yards late on.
Here’s how SunSport rated each Chelsea performer on the day.
KEPA ARRIZABALAGA – 5
Had very little to do with his hands but his distribution with the ball at his feet was the usual heart in mouth stuff as he risked getting shut down on a few occasions.
REECE JAMES – 7
Youngster James is now a Chelsea regularCredit: AFP or licensors
Joined in well with attacks down the right hand side. And dealt well with the dangerous looking Solly March and Leandro Trossard down his flank when defending.
ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN – 6
Not a great deal to do, but did what he had to.
JAKE CLARKE-SALTER – 6
An accomplished-enough showing. Neat and tidy. Will take it as he tries to break into the first team.
MARCOS ALONSO – 4
The Spaniard didn’t have his finest day in a Blues shirtCredit: AFP or licensors
Left Chelsea fans begging for Ben Chilwell’s introduction into the first team after he somehow managed to get booked in a pre-season friendly after 35 minutes.
Tried to help Hudson-Odoi going forward but a couple of sloppy passes show why he will be behind Chilwell in the pecking order next season.
N’GOLO KANTE – 6
Nothing spectacular. Kept things ticking over and didn’t let much through the middle.
MATEO KOVACIC – 6
Classic pre-season performance. Not as box-to-box as usual but the fitness will come.
HAKIM ZIYECH – 6
Ziyech was forced off with an ankle complaintCredit: Rex Features
Ziyech who sparked the opener, whipping in a superb cross from deep to Callum Hudson-Odoi, who unintentionally cushioned a header into Werner’s path.
Not as good as fellow debutant Werner and limped off early in the second-half with an ankle injury.
RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – 7
Looked every bit a player who will play a big role this season.
CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI – 8
Put it on a plate for Werner to score his first Chelsea goal early on.
Looked industrious and inventive and is another who will surely be pushing for a first team spot this season despite the intense competition in those attacking spots.
TIMO WERNER – 8
Werner had Chelsea fans purringCredit: Reuters
An almost perfect debut.
His early goal was a tap in but some classy touches and link up play before he was subbed off in the second-half will have Blues fans excited to see him playing with Christian Pulisic behind him.
SUBSTITUTES
Penalty specialist Caballero was at it againCredit: AFP or licensors
Willy Caballero – 8 Saved Maupay’s penalty almost as soon as he came on at half-time.
Was solid enough for the remainder of the second-half and was only a whisker away from saving Gross’ equalising spot-kick at the death.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6 Did a lot of shouting.
Involved a fair bit as Brighton pushed for the equaliser but hard to criticise or praise as the game took on somewhat of a chaotic feel in the second-half.
Antonio Rudiger – 5 Gave away a penalty almost as soon as he came on.
Looked a little rusty and clumsy for the remainder of the half.
Ethan Ampadu – 5 Struggled to get a foothold in the game as the Blues players tried to fathom which of their teammates were actually on the pitch.
Couple of sloppy fouls as the Seagulls pushed for the equaliser.
Ian Maatsen – 6 Impressive showing at left-back.
Lampard may have been wise to play him from the start given Alonso’s less than impressive display.
Harvey Vale – 5 Another who blended into the background in the second-half as Lampard tried to give minutes to everyone on his bench.
Lewis Baker – 5 Gave away the penalty – albeit a soft one for Brighton’s equaliser. Nothing spectacular other than that.
Luke McCormick – 5 Nothing of note to report as he got lost in a chaotic second-half but will be happy to have got some minutes under his belt.
Conor Gallagher – 7 Energetic performance.
Shut down the keeper well with 20 minutes left which nearly led to a Chelsea goal.
The stand out performer of the flurry of second-half subs.
Olivier Giroud went off hurt late onCredit: PA:Press Association
Henry Lawrence – 5 Did not look out of place at the back.
But as with most of the second-half introductions, he only seemed to come on for a run-out.
Olivier Giroud – 5 Barely had a chance to do anything in front of goal and was subbed off after being subbed on having picked up a nasty looking gash above his eye after an aerial clash in the box.
Juan Castillo – N/A Came on with mere moments to go as the 12th and final sub of the day to replace the injured Olivier Giroud.
Fans return to English football for first time in six months as Brighton host Chelsea in friendly at Amex stadium
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
