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.

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Conor Gallagher shined as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge[/caption]

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.

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Romeo Lavia looked rusty on his long-awaited Chelsea debut[/caption]

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.