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Mauricio Pochettino hailed the character and personality of his players after watching Chelsea end a three-game winless run by beating Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round.<\/p>\n
Home supporters witnessed a victory at Stamford Bridge for just the third time since March as Nicolas Jackson\u2019s goal proved the difference between the sides and set up a fourth-round meeting with Blackburn.<\/p>\n
Jackson struck five minutes after half-time with a composed finish into the corner from Cole Palmer\u2019s pass, becoming the first Chelsea player to score since Enzo Fernandez netted in the second round against AFC Wimbledon on 30 August.<\/p>\n
Pochettino has repeatedly claimed in recent weeks that performances have been better than the team\u2019s results, and he was relieved to finally see the tide turn in what he called a deserved win.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery pleased with the performance again,\u201d he said. \u201c(I am) happy for the victory and (it is) important to go through and build our momentum. I hope to build momentum for the future from today.<\/p>\n
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\u201cVery pleased when the strikers score, it\u2019s important. He needed to feel the net, it was an important game for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the team was really good. If we assess, all the players were in a very good level.<\/p>\n
\u201cCole is a very talented player, he was key in this victory. He\u2019s still young, he still needs to settle in the club and the city but we saw today how good he is.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they (the players) showed character and personality.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chelsea\u2019s night was slightly blighted by uncertain first-half performances from former Brighton pair Robert Sanchez and Marc Cucurella.<\/p>\n
Sanchez in goal endured a particularly torrid night, with poor distribution gifting chances to Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati, while he also repeatedly hit passes into touch.<\/p>\n
Pochettino would not be drawn into criticism of the two.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first half sometimes we didn\u2019t provide Robert and Marc good angles to play and have continuity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter half-time I think we fixed that and were much better. But in a difficult moment they showed character. It\u2019s never easy to play in these circumstances. Today was a must-win, we needed to win this game.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes the pressure to win, you can\u2019t be perfect. In the second half we dominated the game and we deserved the victory.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi defended his selection, with a number of first-team regulars having been rested following Sunday\u2019s win over Bournemouth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe played good enough to win the game but to win you have to score,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t score in the first half when we had many chances to score. Not difficult chances. We were not able to score, then you keep the game open.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am sorry, I\u2019m disappointed for the result because I want to compete in four competitions. I think the first XI was enough to win the game.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe have to adapt, we have to improve, The young players have to progress, but quickly, because in football we don\u2019t have time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to make any excuses. It was the right first XI to win the game.\u201d<\/p>\n