Cole Palmer masterclass, Joao Pedro superb, Robert Sanchez great – Chelsea player ratings vs PSG

Chelsea are champions of the world. The Blues have won the first-ever edition of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey.

Cole Palmer handed the west Londoners the lead on 22 minutes with a fine finish after some strong work on the right wing from Malo Gusto. And just eight minutes later, it was two for Chelsea, with Palmer scoring a fantastic individual goal and producing an almost identical finish to his first goal.

Joao Pedro then made it three for Chelsea before the half-time whistle. This time, Palmer was the architect. Chelsea’s No.10 slid Joao Pedro through and the Brazilian produced a delicate chip to send the Blues into dreamland. If they were not there already, that is.

It was slightly less intense in the second period but it was once again a really strong showing from Chelsea. PSG ended the match with 10 men after Joao Neves was shown a straight red card for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair.

After that, not too much more happened. Chelsea are officially the best club side in the world. Below, Bobby Vincent rates the Blues players based on their performances:

Robert Sanchez – 8.5

Sanchez made a good save on 18 minutes to deny Desire Doue. A great pass to Gusto to help set up Palmer’s goal. Overall, it was such a strong performance from the Spaniard. His shot-stopping was excellent and so was his distribution.

About as good as I’ve seen Sanchez play for Chelsea. Some crucial saves.

Malo Gusto – 8

Gusto did brilliantly for the opening goal of the game, laying the ball off to Palmer. He held the width on the right-hand side and did such a good job in doing so. This system seems to suit the Frenchman more.

Trevoh Chalobah – 7

Was a steady presence back there and kept his head when PSG came forward in numbers. Chalobah quietly had a really strong Club World Cup.

Levi Colwill – 7

Colwill registered the assist for Palmer’s second goal. It was a smart ball on the centre-back’s weaker foot to get his teammate away up the pitch. Apart from that, Colwill defended really well alongside Chalobah.

Marc Cucurella – 7

Cucurella does really well around 15 minutes in to block Doue’s pass across goal – something that if not dealt with, would have definitely ended in PSG taking the lead.

Moises Caicedo – 8

Deemed fit enough to play, and he was his usual industrious, busy self. A crunching challenge around 12 minutes in told supporters he was fine. Running out of words for this man. Superb, as he has been this tournament, as he has been all season. £115million is a steal.

Reece James – 7

James started in midfield alongside Caicedo. Did well in there, especially when everyone doubted whether he would have the ability against such a strong PSG midfield.

Cole Palmer – 9.5

He always seems to show up in these big games. After going close to opening the scoring very early on, he made no mistake a short while later. A fine finish after some good work from Gusto. The cold celebration was incredibly fitting for such a cold finish.

Palmer was willing to give supporters another unforgettable moment eight minutes later. He sold Vitinha with a clever dummy before opening up his body and sliding the ball into the bottom corner. It was almost identical to his first goal the way the ball just slotted into the bottom corner.

Enzo Fernandez – 6

So aggressive off the ball. He and Caicedo were clearly tasked with getting at PSG’s midfield when they were out of possession. On the ball, it was a smart performance from Fernandez, who often dropped deep to recycle possession and keep play ticking over.

Pedro Neto – 7

Having to do a really intense defensive job to deal with the adventurous Achraf Hakimi. Neto could not have the same impact going forward but considering the job he was doing the other way, he is more than forgiven. A selfless performance.

Joao Pedro – 8.5

Got the nod as the No.9 again. Should have had an assist to Palmer on nine minutes – and what an assist it would have been. A really intelligent back heel found his teammate as the Brazilian continues to impress with his link-up play.

A magical moment later followed from Joao Pedro. He made a smart run in behind the PSG defence and was found by Palmer. The former Brighton forward then dinked Gianluigi Donnarumma to put the Blues three goals ahead.

Subs

Andrey Santos (on for Fernandez 61′) – 6

Nice to see him get some minutes on such a big stage. Was used in a more advanced role and linked up well with Liam Delap when the striker came on.

Liam Delap (on for Joao Pedro 67′) – 6.5

Almost scored with his first involvement. A mazy solo run ended with Delap striking from distance but it was well saved. Has another chance on 80 minutes that he should probably score. Lively.

Christopher Nkunku (on for Neto 78′) – N/A

Some minutes but the game was already done by then essentially.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (on for James 78′) – N/A

Brought some much-needed energy into the midfield.