Under manager Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea recovered from a difficult start to the season with a second-half goal from Nicholas Jackson to beat Brighton 1-0 in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
The blues had endured their worst start to a season in 45 years, but a breakthrough finally appeared five minutes into the second half.
The north London giants had gone three games without scoring, but their losing streak ended when Cole Palmer’s set-up allowed Jackson to coolly slot a goal into the top corner at the the beginning of the second half to alleviate a personal problem in front of goal.
The senegalese international was on target from early on, winning the ball on the edge of Brighton’s penalty area and firing a left-footed shot that went over the goal.
The home fans thought Jackson had scored a deserved second goal for his performance when he fired home from Palmer’s pass, but an offside flag ended the celebrations.
The new signing from Manchester City striker started in a forward three alongside Mykhailo Mudryk and Ian Maassen, but was most effective dropping deep to receive the ball and looking for a decisive pass in the final third. It was then that Chelsea failed, resulting in just five league goals in six games.
Brighton had a chance to equalize late on, but first Pervis Estupinan caught a broken ball and drifted it towards the byline, but his cross went over the goal and no one could play. There wasn’t.
The in-form visitors dominated the ball for much of the match, but the home fans saw their side display an impressive counter-attack at Stamford Bridge.
Axel DiSasi then had a weak header saved before Pedro volleyed over the bar, which Chelsea saved and ultimately gave Pochettino some breathing room.
Victory against this in-form EPL side will give the Blues confidence heading into their next match against Fulham on Monday.
