Tuchel's tactical tweak to get the best out of Sterling
Prior to Saturday's 2-1 win over Leicester City, it would have been fair to say Chelsea fans had not seen the best of Raheem Sterling following his summer switch from Manchester City.
Nevertheless, the England international eradicated any doubts with a game-changing brace against the Foxes to secure a much-needed three points for the Blues.
Boss Thomas Tuchel revealed post-match that he had opted to make a tactical switch to help Sterling find his best form. However, it was something that supporters failed to foresee when it appeared the German had opted to stick with a three-man defensive system before kick-off.
READ MORE HERE: How Kai Havertz annoyed Daniel Amartey as Chelsea given £20m transfer question in Leicester win
Tuchel admitted: "I could feel he (Sterling) wasn't happy, he wants to score more and have more chances. So we played in a more aggressive shape in the first half for 25 minutes, and then we are a man down, so we needed him to step up.
How "well organised" touchline helped Chelsea win it Tuchel absence
Following his well-publicised clash with Antonio Conte in Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel was forced to take a watching brief of Saturday's triumph as the German boss served his touchline ban.
With Tuchel's demeanour and behaviour on the touchline always an ever-interesting sub-plot, assistants Arno Michels, Zsolt Low, and Anthony Barry oversaw proceedings at pitch level. None of the trio were quite as animated – or perhaps agitated – as Tuchel, and that was clear early into the first half when Conor Gallagher was shown the first of his two yellow cards.
Instead, club captain Cesar Azpilicueta came off the substitutes' bench to complain about the booking. The Spaniard demonstrated for a few moments before being ushered back to his seat.
Speaking post-match, Tuchel admitted: "It's unusual not to have the influence directly from the side-line, but we made the best of it. It was well organised, and I am happy that we got the win."
Lineker offers Connor Gallagher's verdict
Some may have been surprised to see Connor Gallagher maintain his place in Chelsea's midfield following a forgettable display in the Blues' 3-0 defeat to Leeds United. However, the Cobham academy graduate made his first Stamford Bridge Premier League start against the Foxes.
Somehow, it failed to get any better for the 22-year-old, who was sent off after receiving two yellow cards within six minutes. Nevertheless, Chelsea admirably hung on to seal a much-needed three points in Gallagher's absence.
England icon and BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker took a blunt stance on the former Crystal Palace loanee's showing by claiming he: "got away with one" in regards to the red card and the impact it had on the result.
Chelsea player ratings vs Leicester
football.london's Chelsea expert Scott Trotter ran the rule over Thomas Tuchel's men following their 2-1 triumph over Leicester City.
One surprise Blues star was described to have been "quite frankly monstrous" as Raheem Sterling's brace saw the 10-men claim all three points on Saturday, whilst another midfield ace was deemed to have put on his "best display of the season.
Although, there was criticism after one academy graduate endured a "short and erratic afternoon.
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