Chelsea ratings: Cole Palmer adds to ridiculous Stamford Bridge tally but Pedro Neto has a quiet afternoon
CHELSEA moved to joint-second in the Premier League table with an resounding 3-0 win over Aston Villa.
Goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer saw the Blues make light work of their opponents at Stamford Bridge.
Villa struggled to impress as their winless run continued.
While Chelsea clocked up their third successive win in all competitions to keep Enzo Maresca’s show on the road.
But who was the best player on the pitch for the hosts?
And did anyone have a game to forget?
Here, SunSport’s Katherine Walsh delivers her Chelsea player ratings…
Robert Sanchez – 6
Kept Ollie Watkins at bay on two occasions in the first-half, which was welcome after questions were raised over his place as first-choice goalkeeper.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Rare start from right-back in the absence of Reece James, but was solid in an inverted role as Chelsea grew in confidence.
Steps into challenges nicely at just the right time, and is becoming a dependable figure for the Blues.
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Wesley Fofana – 4
Some uncomfortable moments for Fofana amid his battles with Watkins.
Was subbed off inside the hour mark after seemingly twisting his ankle as he treaded on the ball while tussling the Villa frontman.
Levi Colwill – 6
Would have been lower before he cleared Ross Barkley’s blistering header over the bar from a corner.
Went down easy when defending Watkins in the second-half, could’ve cost his side some chances against better opposition.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Chelsea’s most creative full-back won the ball high-up to set up Jackon’s opener.
Put the defensive work in aswell after having Jaden Philogene’s number the whole game.
Romeo Lavia – 6
Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.
Seems the perfect pivot partner for Fernandez when Caicedo isn’t in the middle, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.
Enzo Fernandez (c) – 7
His best goal in a Chelsea shirt this calender year with a slick volley past his Argentina team-mate Emi Martinez from the edge of the box.
The Chelsea captain set himself up after playing a lovely one-two with Palmer and was involved creatively throughout.
Pedro Neto – 6
Didn’t get on the ball enough compared to his fellow forward team-mates.
Lovely drop of the shoulder after Fofana was subbed off but a pretty quiet afternoon in comparison to Chelsea’s other attackers.
Cole Palmer – 8
Out of form? Nonsense. He’d been on the edges of it at times. But made one and scored an absolute screamer. You cannot keep a good man down.
Only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has netted 30 goals at Stamford Bridge in less games.
Linked up well with Sancho and Fernandez and assisted the Argentine’s volley. The England star was a constant threat while charging at Robin Olsen’s goal in the second-half.
Jadon Sancho – 6
Full of confidence and a constant threat in a high wing-back role this afternoon.
Could’ve won his side a penalty but stayed on his feet inside 30 minutes.
Still not quite there in the final third, though, as he was replaced by Madueke midway through the second half.
Nicolas Jackson – 7
A poacher’s finish opened the scoring inside seven minutes – his eighth in the league this season.
A wonderful goal saw him get his foot round to volley in off the post with his weaker peg after Cucurella’s cross awkwardly deflected off Matty Cash.
Tangled with Martinez, who was replaced by Olsen at half-time.
Subs
Benoit Badiashile (60’ for Fofana) – 6
Nothing too dramatic from the towering centre-back after replacing the injured Fofana.
Noni Madueke (70’ for Sancho) – 4
Booked for simulation in the final five minutes. Unnecessary.
Christopher Nkunku (70′ for Jackson) – 5
Great cross for what should’ve been Chelsea’s third as Palmer and Madueke got mixed up in the 77th minute.
Joao Felix – (86′ for Palmer) – 3
Missed a sitter at the death after Madueke’s shot was kept out. Also booked within three minutes of coming on for a lunge on Tielemans.