In what was probably the last game Chelsea played in Romelu Lukaku’s absence, they put in one of the season’s best performances. Chelsea easily dismantled sorry Leicester 3-0 at the King Power on Saturday. The Blues were ahead within the first quarter of an hour, Antonio Rüdiger opening the scoring from a corner. Quarter of an hour later, former Leicester man N’Golo Kanté scored a sublime individual goal to double Chelsea’s lead. Second half substitutes Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic combined, and the latter scored to put the result beyond doubt.
This was arguably their best performance of the season in some ways. They were dominant from start to finish and were menacing throughout the 90 minutes. On another day, they could have scored five goals. Three were ruled out for offside and many opportunities were squandered. Any suggestions Chelsea would have struggled without Lukaku are put to bed. Now that Lukaku is close to a return, things can only get better.
Taking a closer look at the numbers tell a fascinating story. In five games prior to Lukaku’s injury, Chelsea scored seven goals. Since his injury, Chelsea have 15 in five and 19 in six if you include the Malmö game. The Blues have done reasonably well without the big Belgian, so the question arises, did Chelsea REALLY need Romelu Lukaku?
Did Chelsea need to spend so much on Lukaku?
The answer to that question is: YES. Without Lukaku last season, Chelsea’s number were dire. They needed a prolific striker. If they didn’t sign Lukaku, they won’t be where they are. That’s not to say he is firing on all cylinders, but in the long run, his ruthlessness will come to the fore. Yes Chelsea are scoring freely, maybe some players can play with independence that’s limited in Lukaku’s presence, but this cannot be sustained for a long period of time.
Yes Reece James and Ben Chilwell’s goals are a welcome addition, they cannot be relied upon every week. A person who can be relied upon every week is a striker, and Lukaku is one. I’m not saying the Belgian should be sole contributor to the goals, but he should be the chief contributor.
In hindsight, this is perfect timing for Lukaku to get back in action. His team are in a good vein of form at the moment, and he will not be immediately burdened with the goal scoring duties. He can slowly ease himself back into the team and full fitness. From thereon, it should only be a matter of time before he gets back to his brilliant best. This injury too perhaps came at a good time, maybe he needed some rest physically as well as mentally.