Lukaku love will not be so forthcoming

THE most telling moment of Romelu Lukaku’s performance against Manchester City was not the big chance he missed but what he did immediately afterwards. As the Chelsea striker’s shot was saved and rebounded to team-mate Hakim Ziyech, the danger remained very much present. Ziyech was wide in the penalty area with acres of space to his right. That was Lukaku’s space to fill. A square ball at that moment and the big Belgian gets another opportunity. But Lukaku did not run towards the space. He did not run anywhere. He was caught stock still. So Ziyech shot wide and the chance was gone. It would be possible to interpret this as laziness but I think that would be wrong. Lukaku is a willing runner for the most part. No, I think it is a confidence thing. Players running free on self-belief find themselves drawn to the seat of the fire. Those who are not sit on their heels. Lukaku looks a little lost at the moment and the problem is the patience required from his coach and supporters evaporated the moment he started batting his eyelashes at Inter, the club he played for last season, in an interview with Italian TV. Some praised Lukaku for his honesty after that media chat. Personally, I thought it was a mistake. He needs a little love at Chelsea right now and should not be overly surprised that it is thin on the ground.