Frank Lampard was relieved to get a first Premier League home win as Chelsea boss under his belt after second-half goals from Jorginho and Willian sank Brighton 2-0.
The Blues had peppered the Brighton goal throughout the first half but only made the breakthrough when Jorginho tucked in a penalty five minutes after half-time.
Willian’s well-taken second secured a maiden three points at home for Lampard, while Brighton never really threatened to deny the hosts a first clean sheet of the season.
“We’ve been waiting for that,” said Lampard. “The home games have been frustrating. You could almost feel the frustration at half-time because we hadn’t scored.
“What pleased me was the performance. The message at half-time was to not get despondent and keep playing at pace.
“When you’re not winning at home you fear the worst, but it felt different today.
“I felt it was coming and it was important to say that to the players. They deserved something to drop and it came with the penalty.”
Chelsea had 17 shots – three of them sitters – in a one-sided first half.
Ross Barkley should have put the Blues ahead in the 36th minute when he met Marcos Alonso’s cross at the far post but his cushioned volley gave Mat Ryan the chance to save.
The defender’s poor touch in the area allowed Mason Mount to poke the ball away from him and as Webster tried to win it back he tripped the youngster.
“We were stubborn and put up a fight but we were lucky to go in at 0-0 to be honest,” said Potter.
“There was nothing wrong with the effort, the boys gave everything and you have to give credit to the opposition. Chelsea were good.
“Adam’s got tremendous quality with the ball at his feet but mistakes happen.
“We grew into the game a bit, hit the bar and had a chance to get a foothold but then the second goal killed us off a bit.
“Overall Chelsea deserved to win. We have to improve. That’s our challenge.”
