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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Noni Madueke (71, for Nkunku) - 7
Won and converted the spot-kick that sealed it.
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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.
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