In our new-look post-match statistical analysis, fresh graphics highlight Timo Werner’s movement at Brighton, Jorginho’s influence in midfield and the impressive build-up to Reece James’s spectacular strike…
Turbo Timo on the move
On his Chelsea debut, Timo Werner showcased his many qualities. Perhaps what stood out most was his movement and reading of the game situation, and his touchmap from the Amex underlines quite how willing he was to get around the pitch.
Though most often found in an inside-left position, the German was more than happy to hug the touchline on either side, or drop deeper to move Brighton defenders out of position and create space that way. He was also a constant threat in the final third, recording six touches inside the box, including a crucial one that took the ball away from Mat Ryan before he was fouled.
Werner’s five shots was a game-high figure, and the fact three were blocked only serves to highlight how desperate Brighton were to get bodies around him, such was the fear he had instilled in them with his electric speed.
Werner also recorded two successful dribbles, along with Mason Mount a Chelsea-high figure.
Overall, Brighton had 13 shots to our 10, although five of ours hit the target compared to three of theirs.
Jorginho the controller
Captain Jorginho not only scored our opening goal, maintaining his perfect record from the spot excluding shoot-outs, but he was also instrumental in dictating our play and transitioning the ball from defence to attack in a highly competitive part of the pitch.
His 45 completed passes were second only to Marcos Alonso’s 55, and only Alonso (6.8 per cent) spent more time on the ball than Jorginho (5.3 per cent). Jorginho’s two key passes was a joint game-high figure, the same amount recorded by Mount and Reece James.
Jorginho’s heatmap shows he linked up regularly with Alonso and Werner on the left-hand side of the pitch, where 50 per cent of our attacking play came down.
Like any midfielder in the world would, Jorginho benefitted from having N’Golo Kante covering plenty of ground alongside him. The Frenchman intercepted the ball on a game-high six occasions, and also won three tackles. His pass completion rate of 92 per cent was bettered only by Andreas Christensen (94 per cent).
Kick-off to the back of the net
Our response to the setback of Leandro Trossard’s goal couldn’t have been better. In fact, the Seagulls did not even touch the ball between their goal and the spectacular strike blasted in by James.
There were 19 passes in total in the lead-up to the goal, starting with Werner kicking off. Jorginho played four of them, including the final one that James took in his stride before chancing his arm. What a way to hit back!
Other statistical highlights
We had 46.7 per cent of the ball at the Amex, testament to Brighton's style of play. Last season in away Premier League games we averaged 58.2 per cent possession.
Our pass completion rate was 83 per cent, slightly down on our average of 85.2 per cent last term.
James won four aerial duels, while Mount was successful with the same number of tackles, a game-high figure. Kai Havertz won three on his Premier League debut.
To go with his high passing and possession stats, Alonso contributed defensively with five interceptions and five clearances.
The victory earned us our 2000th point in the Premier League (1077 games), making us the third side to reach that total since the competition began in 1992, after Manchester United (2234) and Arsenal (2014).
Read more: Werner on his first experience of English football and delight at a debut goal