The first international break of the year arrived at an unfortunate moment for Chelsea. After a dismal few weeks in which performances were as concerning as the results, Graham Potter's side turned things around and are now unbeaten in four matches.
Three of those ended in victory. Leeds United were beaten at Stamford Bridge, although not easily. Borussia Dortmund were overcome in the Champions League to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the competition. And then the Blues secured their first away victory of the year by downing Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Momentum was checked somewhat by the 2-2 draw against Everton – and the late Ellis Simms equaliser did little to send Chelsea supporters into the international break in good spirits. Yet Potter remains confident progress has been made by his players in recent weeks.
