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Football London
Football London
Sport
Daniel Hargraves

James, Thiago, Kante - Chelsea power rankings after dramatic victory at Crystal Palace

Recently appointed Chelsea manager Graham Potter oversaw his first win as Blues manager at the second attempt as his side came from behind to win 2-1 at Crystal Palace.

The former Brighton boss has been Chelsea manager for almost a month but with postponements and an international break, the only other match the Englishman had taken charge of was the west London outfit's 1-1 home draw against RB Salzburg in the Champions League.

It was a much-needed three points for the Blues who have endured a somewhat rocky start to the season and sit fifth in the Premier League table with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's first Chelsea goal and a late stunner from former Palace loanee Conor Gallagher making the difference.

READ MORE: Christopher Nkunku transfer excitement will not fix Graham Potter's bigger Chelsea concern

But who are Chelsea's current top performers according to WhoScored after Saturday's victory?

5th - Kalidou Koulibaly (6.76/10)

Although technically goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga sits fifth in the average rating ranks, the Spaniard has only played one match and therefore the rating comes from that one appearance where the 28-year-old stepped in for the injured Edouard Mendy.

Koulibaly has already experienced highs and lows in a Chelsea shirt, introducing himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful with an excellent volley against London rivals Tottenham before being sent off in a 3-0 drubbing away to Leeds United.

Summer signing Wesley Fofana was preferred over the Senegalese defender to partner Thiago Silva in a back four on Saturday but in his five league appearances thus far, the 31-year-old has shown that he can be a colossus at the back for the Blues.

4th - Raheem Sterling (6.97/10)

Similarly to the Kepa situation, technically Aubameyang sits fourth but the rating is also based off of one appearance so Sterling takes his spot instead.

There was plenty of noise in the summer regarding the Englishman's decision to swap Manchester City for Chelsea but with three goals and one assist in seven appearances, as well as another goal in the Champions League, the 27-year-old looks to have settled back in his home city.

However, as is the case with all of Chelsea's players, how the appointment of Potter will affect his performances will be interesting to see with the 47-year-old certainly different to his predecessor Thomas Tuchel in certain aspects.

3rd - N'Golo Kante (7.20/10)

Not too much can be read into Kante's place in the rankings given that the Frenchman has only managed to play two matches so far this season having suffered an injury against Tottenham in August.

The midfielder is yet to return but, as demonstrated by his performances earlier this season against Everton and Spurs, his return to action will be very welcome from Potter's perspective with a hectic schedule set to take place over the next month ahead of the World Cup.

2nd - Thiago Silva (7.24/10)

At 38, Thiago performances in defence have been particularly impressive with the Brazilian a figurehead at the back for Chelsea despite the Blues not keeping a clean sheet since the opening day of the season.

Alongside his defensive efforts, the centre-back has also registered two assists in the league so far, with one coming on Saturday to set up Aubameyang's equaliser.

If Potter is to continue playing with a back-four, there is no doubt that Thiago should be first choice with the Englishman having to pick between either Fofana or Koulibaly to partner the 38-year-old.

1st - Reece James (7.25/10)

Slightly ahead of Silva in first is right-back James who seems to just get better as time goes on. The 22-year-old has an excellent chance of being England's first choice at the World Cup next month alongside being one of Chelsea's most influential players.

As well as getting a goal in the 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham in August, James was one of Potter's better players on Saturday in a game that probably should have finished a draw and will be heavily relied upon over the coming weeks with Chelsea set to play another eight matches across all competitions in the month of October alone.

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