The focus was very much on Enzo Fernandez at Stamford Bridge on Friday evening; his £106.7million club-record transfer from Benfica ensured that. There was also intrigue as to how Mykhailo Mudryk would fair on his full Chelsea debut. And how Noni Madueke would perform if called upon from the bench.
Reece James' return was from injury was also a major talking point – and his importance highlighted by the banners on display in both the Matthew Harding and Shed End ahead of kick-off. There was hope Ben Chilwell would also step back into action after three months on the sidelines.
There wasn't too much discussion around Benoît Badiashile, however. The 21-year-old's inclusion at centre-back alongside Thiago Silva was a given. His importance to the side already established despite having played just 180 minutes of football for Chelsea prior to walking out to face Fulham.
