Ross Barkley did not start the game against Manchester United on Saturday and that was mainly because he was declared not fully fit by Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri; but his contribution to the result after his second-half introduction was telling.
After his heroics a fortnight ago against Southampton, the former Everton man stepped up again for his current side. His start to life at Stamford Bridge was slow, but the 24-year old has increased gear now and he will continue to draw confidence from displays like these.
His injection into the game by Sarri in the second half was a sign of the belief the Italian tactician has in him. Chelsea were losing at the time and he was one of the three options Sarri counted on to produce any sort of impact that will help get a point at home and keep their unbeaten run going after nine games.
Barkley was in the right place at the right time, after David Luiz’s header hit the post to draw a super save from David De Gea as Antonio Rudiger attempted a near-post header. Barkley rifled in from close range very late in the game to seal a draw for Chelsea.
He is fast becoming another goalmouth threat Sarri needs right now as the misfiring strikers Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata continue their profligacy in front of goal.
Barkley’s battle this season with Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the Blues midfield will spring up a few more interesting twists before season’s end, hopefully all positive for Sarri.
