Chelsea’s new goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, has reacted after conceding three goals in his first game for the club following his move from Aston Villa just hours earlier.
Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea side appeared to be on course for a straightforward win after scoring three goals inside 32 minutes through Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto and João Pedro.
However, the visitors pulled one back through Malick Yalcouye in the 60th minute before former Brighton player Pedro inadvertently scored an own goal three minutes later to further reduce the deficit.
Xabi Alonso’s side regrouped, and a remarkable individual effort from Cole Palmer restored the hosts’ two-goal lead with 16 minutes of normal time remaining.
Pascal Gross’ deflected effort deep into stoppage time ultimately proved a mere consolation for the Seagulls as Chelsea held firm to preserve their perfect Premier League record after two matches.
Chelsea are now third in the league, behind newly promoted Hull City and league leaders Manchester City on goal difference.
Speaking to Sky Sports shortly after the final whistle, the Argentina international said: “A win is a win. I know it wasn’t a perfect game.
“But in the end, winning and moving on is what we need. We’ve got 36 games left and it’s one week after another. I am here for a reason.
“We had a lot of chances to finish the game. Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro had chances to kill the game. At the back, we need to bring the goals down.”
Chelsea will look to continue their winning start when they return to action in what promises to be an explosive London derby away to Arsenal in a week’s time.