Chelsea produced a clinical performance to beat Brighton 2-1 and move into sixth on the league table. Cole Palmer and substitute Christopher Nkunku with the all-important goals could bring Europa League football to Stamford Bridge next season while Danny Welbeck threatened to salvage without success late on.
Marc Cucurella, returning to the ground he once called home before moving to London continues to surprise Chelsea fans, the Spain international playing as an inverted full-back was so good on the ball and was so fast enough to recover whenever he was caught out.
In that first half, he was enjoying himself with and without the ball so much that it was his brilliant cross that Cole Palmer perfectly headed in to give Chelsea a deserved lead. Palmer's 25th goal of the season in all competitions and his 22nd in the league. Remarkable for a player who had never scored a Premier League before joining Chelsea.
The Blues were enjoying themselves here and the previously loud Amex quietened by the dominating Chelsea performance. However, the Seagulls started the second half with more intensity as former Chelsea players Tariq Lamptey and Billy Gilmour all impressing massively.
But as they pushed for an equaliser, Chelsea held on, and posed a threat on the break so when Malo Gusto, who is expected to be named in the French team for the Euros tomorrow expertly found the returning Christopher Nkunku, all he had to do was apply a simple finish to put Chelsea 2-0 up and seal the win.
From there, Mauricio Pochettino’s side controlled the game, showing the maturity that was missing at the beginning of the season to see out a win that keeps them firmly in the mix for Europa League football with a game to go. Chelsea captain Reece James was sent off for a reckless kick Joao Pedro and Welbeck scored with three minutes to go.
On yet another impressive away day, here is how we rated the Chelsea players out there.
1. Djordje Petrovic-6
Didn't have much to do in the game but produced one good save in the second half.
2. Nicolas Jackson-8
Hold-up play has improved so much in the last few games. Unlucky his goal was called off by VAR.
3. Marc Cucurella-8
Thought he'd have won his side a penalty early on in the game. Set up the first goal. Another impressive game.
4. Noni Madueke
Had an interesting game. He was electric when he decided to play forward but I suspect his manager would have wanted more from him.