When it rains, they say it pours. It was coming, the signs were clear, Thomas Tuchel had seen it, everyone including my little boy and his dog had seen it; Romelu Lukaku’s continuous presence in the Chelsea starting lineup had become too costly for the team. Of course a £100M signing will not cost any less but this had transcended the Chelsea financial books through the dressing room to the field of play.
The record breaking 7 touches in 90 mins of association football had become a farce and Thomas Tuchel had to appeal to the media not “to laugh about it”. If Romelu Lukaku was brought in as a solution to a position of need by the reigning European Champions, he had become a bigger problem than Chelsea originally had – an albatross hanging around the neck of Thomas Tuchel. Before his infamous 7 touches, he had started the last 7 matches. Tuchel wanted him to get a good run and get into his groove, but the more he tried to make it work, the worse it became for the team.
Something had to give. Thomas Tuchel is a smart coach and knows Chelsea are in the business end of the season. The UCL Round of 16 is at stake, the Carabao Cup final is on the horizon. There’s no more room for passengers in the team. Lukaku had to be finally dropped and dropped he was, against a high pressing and intense team like Lille, Chelsea needed a front line that could move and create space; a fluid attacking line. Christian Pulisic on the left, Kai Havertz through the middle, and the in-form Hakim Ziyech on the right ensured that Chelsea fans were treated to the good football that had been denied them for so long this season due to injuries, Covid and a standing number 9 who looks disinterested in moving away from centre backs.
In less than 10mins, the verdict was clear, Kai Havertz had broken the seven touches/90mins record and his 8th touch had put Chelsea in front. The Stamford Bridge was buzzing and the silky German who loves the big occasions had given the Chelsea fans a lot of reasons to celebrate. It was not just about the goals, it was about the fluidity of play upfront; Ziyech wielding his magic wand from the right, Kai Havertz and Pulisic taking turns to dash through the middle and work the channels; Ngolo Kante dovetailing them and exchanging passes when Chelsea are pressed or in a quick transition.
Also more importantly the attackers dropping deep for the ball to help build up play from the back. It was flashes of the good old Chelsea, the intensity, the solidity and the strong brotherly bond to work for each other. Kai Havertz covered every inch and blade of the Stamford Bridge grass, Pulisic tracked back to stop counters and support Alonso, Kovacic ran rings till his body could carry him no more, Ziyech attempted to carry on even when carrying a knock, the evergreen and majestic Thiago Silva was in supreme form; Tony Rudiger, solid; Captain Cesar Azpi kept bombing forward and putting in good crosses, Alonso could have been on the score sheet. Man of the Match – Ngolo Kante but that is no news any longer at this stage of the UCL; it’s Deja vu.
For Romelu Lukaku, this game serves as a big wake up call to him. As he was humbly sat on the bench and watched the game, he will realize that in order to fit into the Chelsea team, he needs to do more because Thomas Tuchel has thrown down the gauntlet.
In his Post match interview about the game, the German tactician was clear about what he demands from his centre forward. As he spoke about Kai Havertz, it was almost like a pointed message to the Belgian Centre forward.
I’m very pleased. Kai (Havertz) is very strong for weeks now, he really steps up. His work rate is immense, the areas he covers for us is very very good. He was decisive, created chances, and was never shy of defending.
Thomas Tuchel on Kai Havert’z performance
Well, it is said that a word to the wise is enough.
KTBFFH!
Seth Adusei (@sethaadusei)
