Chelsea had Kai Havertz, Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner unavailable from the start ahead of a crucial encounter with Juventus. The Blues had to win by a margin of more than two goals to top the group. Without recognized front men against a Max Allegri’s well-drilled Juventus side, that looked a daunting task. But instead, Chelsea made light work of it and ended up thrashing the Bianconeri. Chelsea highlighted their status as European champions.
Granted, the visitors had a long injury list and their approach played into Chelsea’s hands. But take nothing away from an outstanding home performance. The 4-0 scoreline doesn’t flatter the Blues one bit, they thoroughly deserved it. Goals were deemed to be the main issue when Werner and Lukaku limped off in that Malmo win. But this is a team that is capable of scoring goals from every position on the field. That’s best demonstrated in yesterday’s win.
The first goal was scored by Trevoh Chalobah, playing right side of the three-man backline. Reece James, a wing-back scored the second. Callum Hudson-Odoi, a winger, scored the third. The fourth was scored by the returning Werner, who is a striker. Lukaku was fit enough to return on the Chelsea bench and must be delighted to see goals flying in. He can ease back into first team action rather than immediately burden himself with scoring goals.
In his absence, his teammates have stepped up and delivered. While none of the players found form together or sustained it for long, it was done collectively and effectively. At various stages of Lukaku’s injury, Mason Mount, Havertz, Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic found form. And unlike most of the other teams, those front-men were supported by flying wing-backs James and Ben Chilwell.
James is fast making a claim to be world’s number 1 right-back. Despite getting involved in attack, he hasn’t forgotten his defensive duties and kept the likes of Alex Sandro, Adrien Rabiot and even Federico Chiesa quiet. His long ball to pick out Ziyech in the build up to the fourth goal was other-worldly. But he is not the only academy product shining at the Bridge.
Chalobah is also reveling in his breakthrough season at Chelsea. He scored on his first Premier League start in August, and yesterday registered himself in his first Champions League start. The likes of Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek also seem to have put their injury woes aside and finally deliver on their potential.
Lastly, Thiago Silva is an unbelievable player. His acrobatic goal-line clearance just minutes after going ahead was important. At 37, he still looks fresh like a 23-year old. Despite being in the game for so long, he still has that burning passion week-in week-out. He’s a Rolls Royce player who goes through games smoothly, without ever putting a foot wrong. His contributions are as important as anyone else in the team. Talks of a new contract have already begun.
Thomas Tuchel has instilled a great self-belief in this group of players. If they can sustain this throughout the season, sky is the limit to what they can achieve. With the season entering into the crunch months, the return of a refreshed Lukaku is a welcome addition to the team. Up next is a big clash against Manchester United.