The Blues raced to a 2-0 first-half lead through headers from Enzo Fernandez and defender Levi Colwill. But Brighton pulled one back via Facundo Buonanotte’s curler.
Chelsea’s task got harder after captain Conor Gallagher was sent off for persistent fouling. However, Fernandez’s penalty following Mykhailo Mudryk’s theatrics extended their lead to 3-1.
Brighton set up a nervy finish when Joao Pedro nodded in a late corner. But Chelsea clung on despite also losing Reece James last week.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino will be delighted with the spirited performance, which lifts the Blues to 10th place above Brentford. Brighton, meanwhile, have struggled since their European heroics.
Chelsea will visit Old Trafford next to battle Manchester United on Wednesday as they continue rebuilding under Pochettino. Brighton turn its focus back to their Premier League survival hopes at home against Brentford on Wednesday.
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