Another player that enjoyed a wonderful homecoming and has been in sensational form is Romelu Lukaku. He left Chelsea as a boy and came back as a man. His eyes for goal and ability to hold up play while driving the ball with his feet is second to none. He has proved to be a worthy signing for Chelsea and he is repaying every cent that has been spent on him so far.
Aston Villa played well and in fact, they showed more drive and attacking intent more than Chelsea but Chelsea were calculative, detailed and clinical and that's all you need if you want to win games in the Premier League. They weren't at their best against Liverpool before the international break and got the needed 1 point and now, they snatched the 3 points despite Villa dominating for the larger spell of the game.
Lukaku and Kovacic both scored with a brace for Lukaku. Kovacic got his first-ever goal for Chelsea at the Bridge while Lukaku also scored for the first time at the Bridge. He never scored in his first spell, neither has he scored as an opposition player but now, he has broken that jinx and it was deserved.
Saul made his debut also but it was a horrible showing. It was expected especially after coming from another league; the Spanish league. It might take him some time to get used to the pace of the Premier League. He took too many touches, spent too much time on the ball and was caught out of possession many times. Welcome to the Premier League, Saul. The coach had to take him out before the second half started and introduced Jorginho.
Chelsea threatened early on as Konsa cleared a ball that was destined for the back of the net if left unattended to in the 8th minute. Shortly after, Villa's new boy; Danny Ings tried to pick out Ollie Watkins in the box with a lovely pass but the pass was too much.
Lukaku broke the deadlock in the 15th minute in an emphatic fashion. What a goal it was. A lot has been said about Lukaku's first touch and pace and he proved his doubters wrong when Kovacic found him with a brilliant pass from the halfway line. Lukaku raced clear, cut back to leave Tuanzebe for the dead and smash home the ball into the back of the net. Typical striker's goal, much to the delight of Chelsea faithfuls.
Three minutes after, Watkins was denied by the alertness of Mendy from the side of the box. Mendy was at his best and he stopped so many threats from Aston Villa. He showed why the coach has shown faith in him from the time he was introduced into the team.
Saul lost possession as he was robbed of the ball by McGinn. He found Watkins after the steal and despite beating the goalkeeper, Watkins couldn't get his ball behind Thiago Silva's block. Chelsea were determined not to concede as they have not conceded any goal from open play this season.
Shortly before the halftime whistle went, in the 33rd minute, Mendy produced a stunning double save to deny Tyron Mings and Konsa much to the frustration of the Villa faithfuls.
Chelsea knew they have to add more goals to banish any hope of a comeback and they did. A terrible back pass from Mings was intercepted by Kovacic. He wasted no time as he hit the ball the first time as well to double Chelsea's advantage.
Alonso should have added a third when his shot flashed wide after a brilliant strike. Lukaku also did well in the build-up to hold up play before setting up Alonso. He is an all round striker and that's what Chelsea need which is different from what Timo Werner gives.
Chelsea sealed the game in the 93rd minute with another brilliant goal from Romelu Lukaku. Azpilicueta gave him the ball at the edge of the box and with much time and space, he smashed home the ball with power as it flew into the top left corner of the net to make it 3-0.
Chelsea moved to second on the log as they are joint top with Manchester United who won earlier in the day too with a resounding 4-1 victory over Newcastle United.
Thank you for your time.
My pen doesn't bleed, it speaks, with speed and ease.
Still me,
My tongue is like the pen of a ready writer.
Olawalium; (Love's chemical content, in human form). Take a dose today: doctor's order.
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