Chelsea secured their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round with a crucial 1-0 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge, providing a much-needed respite for head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The match saw a closely-contested first half, but the £32 million signing, Nicolas Jackson, who had an outstanding performance, ultimately made the difference with a well-placed finish just five minutes into the second half, propelling the west London club into the next round. Let's delve into the three standout players who not only shone for Chelsea but also sent a clear message to Pochettino.
1. Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea's Senegalese forward, has faced criticism for missing several clear-cut chances this season. However, he silenced his doubters by scoring his second goal at Stamford Bridge. Jackson had a frustrating evening until that point, but when presented with an opportunity by Palmer, he displayed clinical finishing from 15 yards out, giving Chelsea the lead. His unwavering determination and passion were evident throughout the match, despite receiving a suspension for accumulating five bookings earlier in the season. Pochettino will undoubtedly appreciate Jackson's ability to find the back of the net when it matters most.
2. Cole Palmer
Manchester City's early release of Kevin De Bruyne may be considered a mistake, and with Cole Palmer's recent performances, City could regret letting him go. Palmer, a £40 million signing, made a surprising addition to the squad but showcased his potential in the No. 10 role under Pochettino. His ability to navigate the pitch and unlock Brighton's defense demonstrated immense promise. A standout moment was his skillful nutmeg on Igor Julio, reminiscent of De Bruyne's brilliance. Palmer's performance suggests that he might be the one that got away from Pep Guardiola.
3. Mykhaylo Mudryk
Mykhaylo Mudryk exhibited a commendable display of sportsmanship when he had the opportunity to go down after a rash challenge from Igor Julio but chose to stay on his feet. This decision showcased Mudryk's potential to exploit open spaces behind the defense, even though he needs to develop a more assertive attitude to win penalties in the mold of Mohamed Salah or Bukayo Saka. Mudryk's blistering speed made it challenging for even a pacey player like Tariq Lamptey to contain him. He further impressed the Chelsea faithful by relentlessly chasing down Van Hecke in the opponent's area after a subpar free-kick delivery, highlighting his dedication to the team's cause.