The goal was accompanied by a collective sigh of relief. With just days to go, Nicolas Jackson had supplied Chelsea with their solitary entry for goal of the month.
After three consecutive losses with no goals scored, Chelsea appeared at their lowest ebb since the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino in July. The Argentine manager oversaw a zippy pre-season campaign, but quickly, it was clear that the Blues had failed to shake off the troubles that peppered last season, despite a blockbuster summer window.
Being pulled out of the pot for the Carabao Cup alongside Brighton was, therefore, no cause for celebration.