Llion provides his thoughts following our 5-1 victory against Nottingham Forest
Having been defeated at the fourth round of the competition last season, the Premier League Champions made the best possible return to League Cup action with a 5-1 thrashing against Nottingham Forest.
There was considerable cause for excitement prior to kick-off with Conte confirming that Hazard will start alongside Charly Musonda – who scored on his full home debut for the Blues. Additionally, rumours were circulating about Ampadu’s potential involvement in the game. In fact the 17-year-old was one of three academy players introduced by Conte tonight.
Robert Kenedy opened the scoring on his first start for the club following the controversy that ensued in China. It was also a memorable night for Michy Batshuayi who scored his first hat-rick of his Chelsea career. The Belgian now flaunts a total of four goals in six games this season, having scored the first Champions League goal of his career against Qarabag last week.
Chelsea will now face Everton in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. Here are the five things we learnt from tonight’s game.
1) Rüdiger has the potential to be outstanding
The 24-year-old produced a truly magnificent display against Forest. He displayed the full extent of his technical ability and also exhibited his capacity to switch play with terrific long balls – especially to Kenedy in the second-half. In a similar manner to JT, he blocked everything that came his way and I’m certain that I counted five blocks within the opening 20mins of the second-half – an accomplished performance.
2) Eden Hazard is slowly – but surely – getting back to his best
There were times that the 26-year-old didn’t display the same pace and application that we’ve become accustomed to witnessing during his time at Chelsea, yet the Belgian still played an instrumental role in the game. His contribution to Bathsuayi’s second goal was quintessential Eden Hazard, demonstrating creativity and class in abundance before providing a perfect assist. Two assists on his first start of the season is a brilliant achievement.
3) Michy Batshuayi scores goals
The Belgian doesn’t always produce the most decorated display, and often he seemingly struggles to exert control over a game, however he does convert opportunities when he’s given them. In two starts this season, Batshuayi has scored four goals and he was exceedingly proficient in front of goal against Forest as he attained the first hat-rick of his Chelsea career.
4) Musonda’s performance warrants more opportunities
Charly Musonda is my motm following his fine performance tonight. It’s extremely difficult to recall a player demonstrating such confidence and assurance in possession, he glided past opponents effortlessly and often made correct choices in the final third. Buoyed by cries of ‘shoot’ from the Chelsea faithful, the Belgian scored his fist goal for the club. He has the potential to become one of our very best players.
5) Antonio Conte is starting to trust the youth
As a Welshman it was a moment of great pride to witness Ethan Ampadu making his Chelsea debut, and it signalled Conte’s intention to integrate our younger talents. Jake Clarke-Salter, Dujon Sterling and Ampadu were all rewarded with invaluable first-team involvement tonight. Let us hope that this denotes the starting point of further youth integration over the course of the season.
Let us know your thoughts!
