Chelsea 1-0 Brighton: 3 talking points

Chelsea finally got another win and scored their first goal in September. While the match looked rocky at times, in the end, they managed to secure a place in the next round of the Carabao Cup. While all was not perfect during the 90 minutes, there were some glimmers of hope and as always some points to improve on.

Chelsea still need to score goals

While it can be argued that Chels‘ could have had another goal or two (should have had at least one), they weren’t exactly raining shots down on Brighton’s keeper. In fact, for most of the first half, it looked like we wouldn’t be able to find the back of the net at all. However, in the end, the Blues got their goal thanks to a well placed shot by Nicholas Jackson and a beautiful pass from Cole Palmer.

Maybe this is the match that will unlock Jackson to be able to put in more goals. Maybe this match will motivate others to strike at the net when they have the chance. What must happen is that Chelsea need to consistently find the back of the net soon. While one goal against Brighton in a cup tie is a start, it is far from the level CFC should be playing at. Scoring goals wins matches, it is as simple as that. Although Pochettino’s side put in a good match (better in the second half than the first) this needs to be the start of an upward trend, which involves plenty of goals.

Mykhailo Mudryk deserves to start

Mudryk has started the last two matches and he has looked sharp. While he has yet to score for the English capital outfit this season, his determination and drive cannot be waived to the side. There is talent in the young Ukrainian winger. He displays his pace and desire to attack defenders head on when he gets the ball. Pochettino knows there is a player in there and everyone associated with Chelsea wants to see Mudryk reach his full potential, but how does he do that?

It’s simple, he needs game time. The best way to get acclimated to the Premier League’s intensity is to be thrown into the belly of the beast week in and week out. It will not only be an indicator of what Mudryk needs to improve on in training, but hopefully, it will increase his confidence. The combination of the two could be the key to unlocking him and getting him firing.

Does Robert Sanchez need re-evaluating?

There were a few heart stopping moments, when Sanchez had the ball at his feet during the match against the Seagulls. More than once the west London side’s No.1 almost gifted the opposition goals. Against other clubs, the match could have been over due to these errors. If it happens once, maybe it’s a fluke and can be overlooked a few more times and it needs addressing. In a match where most thought Djordje Petrovic would make his debut, Sanchez managed to raise questions about himself, instead of cementing his position as first choice keeper.

There is no doubt that the Spaniard is good. He’s made some quality saves so far this season and in the match against Brighton, but there have also been some less than photogenic moments. While fans don’t really know what goes on inside training, it’s hard to imagine that the competition for CFC’s keeper isn’t heating up and rightfully so. While Sanchez will undoubtedly get more game time and is the number one choice for now. Mistakes like the ones that were made recently have to be looked at closely by Pochettino and the coaching staff.