Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful that Chelsea's 4-1 defeat at Newcastle United last weekend will eventually prove to be a blessing in disguise.
Chelsea went into that game at St James' Park on the back of having collected four points against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City respectively.
Although the Blues went into half time on level terms, they capitulated after the break, conceding twice in as many minutes on the hour mark before Reece James was sent off for a second yellow card.
A late fourth condemned the West Londoners to a considerable setback, leaving Chelsea 10 points adrift of the top five in the Premier League standings.
Pochettino now leads his team into further testing fixtures with Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United and Everton all to come in the space of eight days.
© Reuters
In theory, the outcome of those fixtures - particularly the next two - could make or break Chelsea's season in terms of their realistic ambitions to finish in the top five.
Nevertheless, at a press conference on Friday, Pochettino revealed that he has been left encouraged by how his players have responded behind the scenes this week.
Speaking to reporters, the Argentine said: "To try to clarify things, to realise what happened. I think it was a tough week for everyone.
"I am really happy because I think they react really well because even when we watch the game, it was worse than my feelings after the game. I was tougher with them inside than outside.
© Reuters
"But I think we need to blame ourselves, also, because maybe our approach was wrong, and we take responsibility too, but it was a good week to realise things that we need to improve. We want more consistency, more maturity in this process.
"I am really really happy, even though it was tough in training and, of course, in meetings, but sometimes, these kind of situations help a lot to improve."
Chelsea play host to Brighton sitting six points adrift of the eighth-placed Seagulls in the table, and they are facing opponents who are undefeated in seven matches in all competitions.
However, Chelsea have already played host to Roberto De Zerbi's side this season, prevailing by a 1-0 scoreline in the third round of the EFL Cup.
No Data Analysis info
