Chelsea have been crying out for some game-changing craft and clinical finishing during this disappointing start to the season.

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

Thanks to Palmer’s cheeky pass through Brighton defender Jan Paul Van Hecke’s legs and Jackson’s first-time finish Chelsea earned home tie against Championship Blackburn, a presentable chance to go on and reach the last eight.

Chelsea did not look any better for it last season, losing convincingly both times they met Brighton in the league, but at least got one back last night.

Nicolas Jackson slotted home in the second-half to secure a much-needed win for Chelsea

Chelsea broke the deadlock with Jackson’s first-time finish from Cole Palmer’s cheeky pass

It was an especially notable occasion for two of Chelsea’s signings who were bought from elsewhere.

Palmer, who joined from Manchester City, made his full debut and was Chelsea’s standout player, working hard throughout, taking responsibility to make things happen and producing the all-important pass which unlocked Brighton.

Mauricio Pochettino, who confirmed left-back Ben Chilwell will have a suspected hamstring injury that forced him off late on assessed on Thursday, said: ‘Cole is a very talented player. He was key in this victory. We can see how today how good he is.’

Jackson’s goal was just his second since his summer move from Villarreal.

He collected far more bookings, being shown his fifth in just six league games on Sunday against Aston Villa to earn himself a ban for Monday’s trip to Fulham. This was a far better contribution.

Solly March had a chance to level but his header was straight at Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez

Jackson was denied a second goal late on by an offside flag on Wednesday night

Pochettino added: ‘When a striker scores it is important and I’m pleased for him.

‘I was very pleased with the performance again and now happy for the victory. Important to go through in the competition and build our trust and momentum. I hope we can bring this momentum to the future.’

Brighton’s travelling supporters were enjoying taunting their old boys Marc Cucurella, who started out of position at right back, Moises Caicedo and Robert Sanchez while former loanee Levi Colwill seemed to be spared.

Sanchez seemed to be unsettled. His kicking was questionable on a number of occasions, much to the delight of the away fans but not ideal opposition for that to happen against as it was an issue at the heart of his fallout with De Zerbi. Pochettino insisted Sanchez’s teammates were partly responsible too for not offering themselves as passing options.

Midway through the half Sanchez almost gifted his old club the opening goal inexplicably passing straight to Joao Pedro though fortunate when the Brazilian chipped over.

Sanchez was then involved in Brighton’s next chance when his pass put Caicedo under pressure but, after he was robbed, Chelsea’s goalkeeper redeemed himself with a save from Ansu Fati.

Brighton started the second half well but six minutes in fell behind. It was a neat Chelsea move that involved Caicedo and Ian Maatsen helping the ball to the edge of the Brighton box.

Palmer picked up possession, nutmegged Van Hecke with his pass to Jackson who finished first time.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi appeared to be questioning whether Jackson’s goal was offside though was reluctant to expand on any potential complaints post match.

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 switch from Manchester City

There was no VAR to confirm. If there was there might have been a different outcome when Jackson was later put through again by Palmer to score, only to then see his effort ruled out for offside when he looked like h might be on.

Chelsea did not need a second goal in the end, getting over the line after Sanchez repelled Solly March’s header and Pedro volleyed narrowly over in injury time.

De Zerbi said: ‘To win you have to score the goal. When we had chances to score, not difficult ones, in the first half, we were not able to.

‘I’m disappointed for the result because we wanted to compete in four competitions.’