Blues gaffer getting a tune out of big summer signings
CHELSEA ...... 2 ATLETICO ...... 0 JOHN CROSS AT STAMFORD BRIDGE AGG: 3-0
result to date as it was against top-class European opposition.
They play Sheffield United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, are still in the hunt for a top-four finish in the Premier League and no one will fancy them in Friday’s Champion’s League draw.
Tuchel is not just getting the best out of the new boys but making the team click. N’Golo Kante was key to this victory, bossing midfield.
Another big summer signing, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, was rarely troubled because Chelsea’s defence was solid.
Perhaps the only mystery is Ben Chilwell, who cost £50m, excelled under Lampard yet seems very much second choice under Tuchel.
Yet Abramovich’s spending does not guarantee success and the new gaffer’s impact has been huge. He is proving his European pedigree, having led PSG to last season’s final.
Chelsea look a team on the up and were rarely troubled by Atletico, their biggest scare being an early penalty appeal.
Cesar Azpilicueta dropped his back pass short, then grabbed Yannick Carrasco who fell theatrically to the ground, although there was contact.
Incredibly, the VAR did not check the decision and Chelsea can count themselves lucky Italian referee Daniele Orsato waved away Atletico appeals.
On 34 minutes Chelsea launched a devastating counter to take the lead.
Havertz led the charge and linked up well with Werner, who put over a low cross and Ziyech charged in at the back post to slot home.
It was a huge moment for Chelsea, showing there is much more to come from all three new boys.
Havertz has shown glimpses with his silky smooth movement and turns, while Ziyech has yet to recapture the form he showed for Ajax in the Champions League.
But it is Werner whose stats are surprising when judged against the perception the £47m Germany forward has been a disappointment so far.
He now has seven assists and 10 goals this season, meaning he has been directly involved in more goals in all competitions than any of his team-mates.
From there, it was straightforward for Chelsea. Atletico lost their cool, with Stefan Savic sent off for an elbow on Antonio Rudiger, and Emerson had the final say.
Ziyech said: “There were some difficult moments in the game but for most of the time we had it under control.
“The first was an important goal and I had to wait a long time for it. It is always good when you go 1-0 up, especially when you make it by yourself. Timo’s delivery was good.”