Chelsea finally earned three points at Stamford Bridge for the first time since their win over Newcastle United in March. While the performance wasn't outstanding, everyone was relieved to depart in the sunshine with the opportunity to bask in victory after recent weeks.
Stretches of the match felt flat, however, perhaps tinged by the prospect of Chelsea being almost secure in their Champions League qualification, but the Blues also being frozen in stasis with no new owners and empty seats present due to the sanctions placed on the club despite its special operating licence.
Following the match, it became immediately clear, while Chelsea are stuck, the rest of the world continues to move on as Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Antonio Rudiger would be departing the club in the coming summer. It's believed the German international had an opportunity to agree a contract before sanctions came into place, but it nevertheless confirms that the Blues boss will have a hole in his squad in the shape of the Blues star who has featured more frequently than anyone else in the squad. Tuchel knows it will be difficult to replace one of Chelsea's best players of the season.
