How did Bernardo O’Higgins’s early attack affect the Battle of Chacabuco?

At the Battle of Chacabuco, Bernardo O’Higgins attacked the Spanish royalist forces prematurely, which nearly resulted in a defeat for the patriot army.1

Initially, the Spanish infantry successfully drove back O’Higgins’ contingent. However, this early engagement did not result in a total loss because José de San Martín intervened by leading a successful grenadier charge against the Spanish cavalry. This action provided O’Higgins’ forces with the necessary time to recover and regroup. Once the remaining patriot forces under General Soler arrived, O’Higgins was able to launch a two-battalion bayonet charge that effectively surrounded the Spanish troops, leading to a decisive patriot victory.21