Willian’s goal sealed Chelsea’s first home league win under Frank Lampard.
They were much the better side and finally made the breakthrough courtesy of Jorginho’s penalty five minutes into the second half.
Jorginho made no mistake from the spot after Mason Mount was fouled in the area by Adam Webster.
Brighton did threaten an equaliser – former Fulham man Dan Burn headed against the bar.
But there was no way back for the Seagulls after Willian’s deflected shot beat keeper Mat Ryan.
Willian was teed up by Callum Hudson-Odoi, who came on as a substitute for his Premier League return following an Achilles tendon injury.
The result continued Chelsea’s remarkable record against Brighton – they have beaten them in all nine of the club’s meetings.
Chelsea: Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta. Christensen, Tomori, Alonso; Jorginho, Barkley (Kovacic 68), Willian, Pedro, Mount; Abraham.
Sub not used: Caballero, Guehi, James, Kovacic, Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi, Batshuayi.
This post was last modified on 02/10/2019