Morata caught cold by winter
IT is no surprise that Alvaro Morata is struggling for form. Having played all his football in Spain and Italy, Morata is playing his first season without a winter break. He is not as battlehardened as Diego Costa, the man he replaced at Stamford Bridge, while Michy Batshuayi is not trusted. Six of Morata’s 10 Premier League goals this season have been headers and defenders are getting wise to his movement when crosses are coming in. It is putting more pressure on his finishing and, when you do not score, it plays on your confidence. At the next appropriate point — perhaps the next round of the FA Cup — Morata should be given a week to go abroad and recharge. The club will reap the benefits.