Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea finally scored and finally won against quality opposition in Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Nicolas Jackson’s match-winning goal can help Chelsea overcome a difficult start in the Premier League, with just one win in their opening six games after a three-match goalless run.
The all-important cup win can help Chelsea build confidence in the league and could also represent not just the first chance of silverware under Pochettino, but also the best chance of qualifying for Europe next season.
There was plenty also wrong with Chelsea’s performance but today was simply about winning.
Jackon changes narrative
Arguably no player in the Premier League is under more pressure than Jackson but he started the game with a vigour he had lost since the international break.
His excellent touches and link-up play returned after he lost his way when facing harsh criticism for scoring just once in six starts for Chelsea.
His much-needed goal arrived in the 50th minute with a cool, near-post finish beating Bart Verbruggen. Just minutes later he added a second but was flagged in a marginal offside call.
The Senegal international showed both mental and physical toughness to put the disappointment behind him. He is now an example to the young players who have struggled at the start of the season.
Perfect Palmer purrs on full debut
Cole Palmer made his first start for Chelsea and delivered the first of what will likely be many assists.
His touch, turn and pass was simple but also the moment of real quality which helped Jackson break the deadlock and a three-game run without any goals for the club.
The England Under-21 international linked up well with Mykhailo Mudryk and Jackson all game and will be a guaranteed starter if he can adapt to Pochettino’s defensive demands.
Chelsea’s luck turns?
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In all honesty, there was as much wrong with Chelsea’s performance against Brighton as there has been in some matches they lost this season.
Lesley Ugochukwu should have been sent off for a heavy challenge on Carlos Baleba and Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton were every bit as wasteful as Chelsea have been in recent weeks.
They successfully rattled Robert Sanchez, who struggled with his kicking, but Chelsea will think - who cares? They deserved a bit of luck and remain in the hunt for the first piece of silverware on offer this season.
