Keep calm and stay cool. Chelsea has scored four goals in the Premier League. What a time to be alive!
It feels like it's been forever since the Blues managed to get four goals in a Premier League game. In fact, we have to look back to October when Chelsea faced Norwich in a 7-0 thriller. It is a welcome relief to finally see a game has been put to bed before the 80th minute.
There are so many positives to pick from the overall performance, including returning a loved Cobham graduate. However, the talking point for me is Thomas Tuchel's decision-making. He made some decisions that sparked a debate amongst the Chelsea fans that I'm keen to dive into.
Let's delve straight into it, shall we? Romelu Lukaku was subject to the bench in place of Kai Havertz, and this time he was not used at all. There may not be much to look into it, but some speculation will arise within the Chelsea fan base. The general assumption is that the Blues flow better in attack without the Belgian, hence the constant support for Havertz and Timo Werner. I wouldn't say it's a fact, but Chelsea certainly didn't struggle in attack in their second half.
The first half saw the Blues fly off to a great start, but it was Burnley who had the better of the chances. It felt like deja vu from the two clubs' previous match-up in the reverse fixture. Both teams didn't take advantage of their chances. The second half completely put to bed any anxieties. It was terrific seeing Chelsea conjure three goals in eight minutes! Havertz got the brace, and questions over Lukaku's future were raised with immediate effect.
Fans took to social media to praise the German's impact and call for Lukaku to remain on the bench. To be fair to the Belgian, I still believe that Chelsea would have still won the second half of that match with him on the pitch. Yes, Havertz registered the brace, but for me, Reece James was the catalyst to a free-flowing performance.
Once James was unlocked and cooking, he ran riot on the right flank. His synchrony with Christian Pulisic was a pleasure to watch and his contribution to the scoreline. A goal with his wicked right foot and a sleek ball in to meet the tap in for Havertz had set the tone for an enjoyable half.
Whatever Tuchel said at half-time did the trick. The Blues came out like they had a point to prove as they blew the game out of the water in the space of eight minutes. The fans have been longing to see Chelsea creating chances and killing a game very quickly, and today we got it.
As a fan, it’s normal to have your favourites and pass the blame to those who have left a bitter taste. The praises for Havertz are warranted, but the questions towards Lukaku are not. Not this time anyway. James has always been the creative outlet for Chelsea this season. I cannot wait for James to replicate this performance with Lukaku.
Tuchel will soon make this link-up happen. Soon we will have Havertz and Lukaku both at the top of their game and today’s match against Burnley proves it. We have the attacking talent to get three or four goals with a dash of creativity. Confidence in the attacking parts of the team seems to be rising by the match.
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