Sarri’s hat-trick star RLC runs riot
CELTIC (0) 0 Loftus-Cheek 2, 8, 53 HAT-TRICK hero Ruben Loftus-Cheek was Chelsea’s star turn, but he remains a riddle wrapped in an enigma.
The boy who can get a game for England more readily than his club scored more goals in 53 minutes than he had managed in his 35 previous appearances for the Blues put together.
Loftus-Cheek had enjoyed only 99 minutes of first-team action for Chelsea before this rout, but he was much too good for Thursday night fodder at Stamford Bridge.
But the only people who think he will be in the starting line-up at Burnley on Sunday Rios 79 probably believe in the tooth fairy. Loftus-Cheek’s first hat-trick at senior level was an assortment of gifts, and Chelsea’s first in Europe for 12 years, but outclassed Borisov simply couldn’t crack the Chelsea PAOK BATE Vidi FC P W 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 1 D 0 0 0 0 L 0 2 2 2 F 5 4 4 2 A 1 4 7 3 Pts 9 3 3 3 enigma code. He could have scored five on his own, and it was undeniably an eye-catching display, but head coach Maurizio Sarri still has doubts about Loftus-Cheek’s tactical acumen.
For 45 minutes, during every break in play, Sarri gave his midfield prodigy brief tutorials – but he cannot fail to have been impressed.
Despite Sarri’s eight changes from last weekend’s WBC title fight with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, the Blues surged ahead after just 103 seconds.
Davide Zappacosta’s low cross from the right flank reached the unmarked LoftusCheek, lurking by the penalty spot, and he lashed his shot first-time into the corner.
It was only the 22-year-old’s third goal for Chelsea but six minutes later he was on target again.
Despite being held captive by Borisov marker Dzmitry Baha’s unromantic embrace, Loftus-Cheek managed to apply the decisive touch from Willian’s corner.
He should have completed a first-half hat-trick, but headed wide from another Zappacosta cross. As it happened, he only had to wait until eight minutes into the second period to complete his treble.
Pedro’s mazy run was blocked on the edge of the box, but Loftus-Cheek smuggled his tame effort from 20 yards past Borisov keeper Denis Scherbitski’s arthritic dive.
The only way Borisov were going to score was if Chelsea allowed boredom at such a one-sided contest to take root.
And sure enough, 11 minutes from time, complacency held sway, Alexei Rios stealing in at the far post to grab an unlikely consolation.
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