Morata impact
Alvaro Morata’s debut looked as though it would be lost in a dismal performance, but in the end the opposite was true. Despite playing with 10 (and then 9) men from the moment the Spaniard came on, Chelsea looked better than ever with Morata on the pitch, and the striker picked up his first goal and assist in Blue within minutes.
Board pressure
It wasn’t just the starting lineup that screamed “underinvestment”, with Azpi moved to right back thanks to a total lack of right wing back cover, it was the bench that sent the strongest message to the board that this squad it too thin to challenge for the Premier League, let alone win it. Chelsea were almost certain to sign players before this game, now at least three additions look likely.
Antonio Rudiger
The German defender didn’t have an easy debut, but with Gary Cahill gone for three games Rudiger has a chance to build on a solid debut with 3 consecutive starts now on the horizon for the former Roma man. If he does well, Gary may be the man struggling to regain his place in the side.
