Chelsea 1-0 Brighton: Hosts finally end goal drought as striker Nicolas Jackson slots home in the second-half to secure much-needed win in Carabao Cup

Chelsea have been crying out for groundbreaking craftsmanship and clinical finishing in this slow start to the season.

Against Brighton they got one from Cole Palmer and the other from Nicolas Jackson to earn their place in round four.

Palmer’s cheeky pass through the legs of Brighton defender Paul Van Hecke and Jackson’s first-time finish saw Chelsea claim their spot in the next round.

And maybe some bragging rights too. These two have become rivals of sorts after Chelsea plundered the south coast club for players and staff over the past year.

Chelsea didn’t look any better last season, losing convincingly both times they met Brighton in the league, but got one back on Wednesday night.

Chelsea broke the deadlock with Jackson’s first finish after Cole Palmer’s cheeky pass

It was a particularly notable occasion for two of Chelsea’s signings bought from elsewhere.

Palmer, who joined from Manchester City, made his full debut and was Chelsea’s standout player. He worked hard throughout, took responsibility for making things happen and produced the all-important pass that unlocked Brighton.

Jackson’s goal was only his second since his summer transfer from Villarreal.

He collected many more bookings and got his fifth in just six league games against Aston Villa on Sunday, earning him a ban for Monday’s trip to Fulham. This was a much better contribution.

Roberto de Zerbi made seven changes but his Brighton side were as slick as ever in possession.

Initially, however, it was Chelsea who provided most of the threat. Mykhailo Mudryk had a shot saved on Bart Verbruggen’s second attempt and Jackson had a few close moments.

Brighton’s traveling supporters enjoyed taunting their old boys Marc Cucurella, who started from the right-back position, Moises Caicedo and Robert Sanchez, while former loanee Levi Colwill seemed to be spared.

Solly March had a chance to equalize, but his header went straight at Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez

Sánchez almost gifted his former team a goal by passing the ball to Joao Pedro, but he chipped over

Jackson was denied a second goal late Wednesday night due to an offside flag

Sánchez seemed restless. His kicking was questionable on a number of occasions, much to the delight of the away fans, but not ideal opposition to prevent that as it was an issue at the heart of his feud with De Zerbi.

And halfway through the half he almost gave his old club the opening goal.

Inexplicably he passed the ball straight to Joao Pedro and he is said to have been relieved to see the Brazilian chip over the bar.

Sánchez was then involved in Brighton’s next chance, but slightly less foul.

He went to Caicedo, which was expropriated by Carlos Baleba. The ball went to Ansu Fati, who apparently had plenty of goals to aim for, but Sánchez recovered and redeemed himself for his part in another chance for Brighton.

The half ended with Palmer skewing Mudryk’s cross just wide, but before that both sides felt they might have been unlucky with referee Thomas Bramhall’s decisions.

First, Igor Julio flew wildly in a challenge on Mudryk in the penalty area, but missed the ball.

Fortunately for Julio, Mudryk survived, but his reward for his honesty was ultimately only a corner kick.

Meanwhile, the Brighton bench rose in droves after Lesley Ugochukwu left Baleba in a heap, not long after he was booked for an earlier foul.

Brighton started the second half well, but fell behind after five minutes. It was a neat move from Chelsea, with Caicedo and Maatsen helping the ball to the edge of the Brighton area.

Roberto de Zerbi made seven changes but his Brighton side were as slick as ever in possession

Palmer made his full debut for Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City

Palmer took possession and nutmegged Van Hecke with his pass to Jackson, who finished first.

Jackson could have put Chelsea firmly in control with a second left when Mudryk poked him through, but Verbruggen was quick off his line and stuck out his left foot to deny the Chelsea striker.

With 18 minutes remaining, Palmer and Jackson combined again for the latter to score, but the assistant referee ended his joy this time.

The value of a nerve-wracking second was underlined shortly afterwards when Sánchez was forced into action to push out Solly March’s header before Pedro punched over the ball in stoppage time, but Chelsea held on to go through.