Match ends, Chelsea 1, Brighton and Hove Albion 0.
Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea’s victory over Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup ‘must be’ the turning point of their season.
Nicolas Jackson scored the only goal in an intense game to see the Blues pick up their first win in four matches and set up a last-16 tie against Championship side Blackburn Rovers.
Chelsea have struggled to find the net this season and won just one of their six games in the Premier League, and Pochettino says the win over the Seagulls must be the result to kick-start their campaign.
“It should be, it must be,” he said. “It’s about time. Today there were many positive things – we saw the players fighting to give their best.”
Creating chances has not been a problem for Pochettino’s side and they are above Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United for expected goals this season with 1.61, but they have found the net just five times in the league so far.
Chelsea and Brighton have dealt with each other a lot in the past 12 months with 10 members of staff having moved to Stamford Bridge for around £200m – and the match carried an extra edge.
Jackson’s winning strike – which sealed a home tie against Blackburn in the week commencing 30 October – came in the 50th minute after a fine move.
Ian Maatsen played the ball to Cole Palmer – excellent on his first start – who put the ball through Jan Paul van Hecke’s legs for Jackson to sweep into the bottom corner.
That goal was the first Chelsea had scored in four matches and gave them a much-needed boost as Pochettino looks to get his project moving in the right direction.
Solly March had the chance to get Brighton level late in the second half when he was left unmarked, but his header was straight at former Seagulls keeper Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea’s line-up included three former Brighton players and every time they touched the ball early in the match they were jeered by their former supporters.
Kaoru Mitoma had the first big opportunity when he skipped past Marc Cucurella and had his cross blocked by Sanchez.
The Spanish keeper, who joined from Brighton for £25m in the summer, had a difficult evening with the ball at his feet during the match.
Sanchez kicked the ball directly out of play a number of times, much to the enjoyment of the Brighton fans.
One sloppy pass also went straight to Joao Pedro on the edge of his own penalty area, but the mistake wasn’t punished as the Brazilian striker chipped over the bar.
Jackson was denied a second goal by Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen’s block and then saw a 71st-minute finish ruled out for offside.
March tested Sanchez before Joao Pedro volleyed over from inside the area as the visitors pushed for an equaliser that didn’t come.
Palmer shines on first Chelsea start
A lot has been made of the number of attacking players Chelsea have signed and their lack of goals.
Palmer arrived for £42.5m from Manchester City with Pochettino saying the midfielder had the right ‘profile’ for the club.
Named in the starting XI for the first time since joining, Palmer showed exactly the reason why Chelsea decided to pay that amount of money for him at just 21.
“I think the team was really good,” added Pochettino. “If we assess all of the players, I think we are in a very good level.
“Cole is a very talented player, he was key in this victory. Still young, still needs to settle in the club, not only the team, but in the club and the city. I think we saw how good he is.”
Line-ups
Chelsea
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 1Sánchez
- 3Cucurella
- 2Disasi
- 26Colwill
- 21ChilwellSubstituted forat 90+7′minutes
- 16UgochukwuBooked at 45mins
- 25Caicedo
- 29MaatsenSubstituted forGallagherat 75′minutes
- 20PalmerSubstituted forFernándezat 75′minutes
- 10MudrykSubstituted forSterlingat 68′minutes
- 15JacksonSubstituted forBrojaat 87′minutes
Substitutes
- 7Sterling
- 8Fernández
- 19Broja
- 23Gallagher
- 28Petrovic
- 36de Souza Eugênio
- 42Gilchrist
- 44Brooking
- 52Matos
Brighton
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 1Verbruggen
- 2Lamptey
- 29van Hecke
- 3dos Santos de Paulo
- 30EstupiñánBooked at 45mins
- 8DahoudSubstituted forHinshelwoodat 70′minutes
- 20BalebaBooked at 42minsSubstituted forGilmourat 64′minutes
- 40BuonanotteSubstituted forLallanaat 78′minutes
- 31Ansu FatiSubstituted forMarchat 45′minutes
- 22MitomaSubstituted forWelbeckat 64′minutes
- 9João Pedro
Substitutes
- 5Dunk
- 7March
- 11Gilmour
- 14Lallana
- 18Welbeck
- 23Steele
- 24Adingra
- 34Veltman
- 41Hinshelwood
- Referee:
- Thomas Bramall
- Attendance:
- 37,516
Live Text
-
-
Second Half ends, Chelsea 1, Brighton and Hove Albion 0.
-
Ben Chilwell went off injured after Chelsea had used all subs.
-
Foul by Tariq Lamptey (Brighton and Hove Albion).
-
Armando Broja (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the left wing.
-
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
-
Delay in match because of an injury Ben Chilwell (Chelsea).
-
Attempt missed. João Pedro (Brighton and Hove Albion) right footed shot from the centre of the box is just a bit too high.
-
Offside, Chelsea. Enzo Fernández tries a through ball, but Armando Broja is caught offside.
-
Tariq Lamptey (Brighton and Hove Albion) wins a free kick on the right wing.
-
Foul by Raheem Sterling (Chelsea).
-
Attempt missed. Pervis Estupiñán (Brighton and Hove Albion) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left misses to the right. Assisted by Igor Julio with a through ball.
-
Attempt blocked. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Moisés Caicedo.
-
Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Tariq Lamptey.
-
Substitution, Chelsea. Armando Broja replaces Nicolas Jackson.
-
Foul by Tariq Lamptey (Brighton and Hove Albion).
-
Raheem Sterling (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
-
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
-
Delay in match because of an injury Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea).
-
Substitution, Brighton and Hove Albion. Adam Lallana replaces Facundo Buonanotte.
Welcome to Triple Star News! I am your Editor, your go-to source for staying informed and up to date on a wide array of themes and topics. My dedicated team of journalists and reporters works tirelessly to bring you timely and comprehensive news coverage that caters to your diverse interests and curiosities. From current events and politics to technology, entertainment, health, and beyond, I’ve got you covered. I pride myself on delivering information in a clear, concise, and engaging manner, accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Join me on Triple Star News and embark on a journey of discovery, staying informed, and expanding your horizons. Let the world unfold before your eyes.