Blues striker ain’t Alv lost goal instinct

HOW DO you solve a problem like Morata?

The confidence appears to have drained away from poor Alvaro – rather than the quality – but it is still a problem for Chelsea’s record signing.

At the start of the season, the Blues looked to have hit the jackpot as he racked up eight goals in his first nine games.

Since then, it has been hit or miss for Antonio Conte’s £58million man.

A six-game barren spell in September and October was followed by a decisive strike against Manchester United and the first in the 4-0 win at West Brom.

Just one in seven followed, however, before he was able to do what you’d expect him to do against both Bournemouth and Brighton. Again, in successive matches.

His last four displays have raised eyebrows, with three missed opportunities against Arsenal last week. The third of those came in second-half stoppage time, leaving Conte apoplectic.

The decisive instinct appears to have deserted Morata (above) – he is now snatching at chances, taking more touches than he normally would.

He did force a fine save from David Ospina, on 55 minutes, but it was a strike at the right height for the keeper to make a nice save for the TV cameras.

A few minutes later, that indecision returned.

Morata – with three defenders between him and goal – overran the ball to allow them to stroll away with it at their leisure.

Even Eden Hazard’s promptings are failing to inspire him. The Spaniard is fortunate that Chelsea are sharing the goals around.

Whatever the case, Conte has a conundrum.

He needs to find a way to solve it – or else bring in reinforcements this month.