Chelsea losing one of their longest-serving talent spotters in Alf Blanford, who's retiring after 20+ years of recruiting for the academy. Responsible for scouting Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori, nurturing Ruben Loftus-Cheek, among others. He'll be at Stamford Bridge today

Via Kieran Gill

#HALFTIME

If Maresca was seeking an overlapping fullback, Reece would offer even more threat going forward than Malo. I think there is plenty of risk trying so many things too early and changing too many things so many times in a short time.

Colwill could have still offered the blind spot long passes that I think he is trying to do with Reece.

This way you'd still have Cucu in and one of Reece or Malo on the other side.. and still have a compact mid with a renowned invert

But anyway, what do I know? Enzo knows better

Cole Palmer now joint-17th for Chelsea in their list of all-time PL scorers, tied with Pedro. He's first for goals/game, above Diego Costa.

In terms of appearances, Nicolas Jackson is the fifth-quickest player to reach 20 goals in the Premier League for Chelsea.

[via OptaJoe]

#INGAME

Living on the brink

#INGAME

Today, we've been on gear 1 throughout.

Maybe saving both the legs and tactics for the League game

Moises Caicedo vs Newcastle United:

94% Passing Accuracy
2 Chances Created
7 Interceptions
1 Clearance
4/7 Ground Duels Won
100% Aerial Duels Won

Another dominant display from Caicedo in the midfield! 🔥

🚨Chelsea will be fined by The FA once again for hitting 6+ yellow cards once again.

Chelsea have won 10 of their 14 Premier League games since the beginning of May [D2 L2]. Only Man City [35] have won more points in the competition in this period.

[via Opta Joe]

Sanchez attempted 25 long balls today. 6 were successful. Also only 20 of his 40 passes were successful.

Best player today for me was Jackson, Insane footworks to beat his man, created the Palmer disallowed goal and followed up with a fantastic finish. Drops deep to link up and is also there to finish as well. This guy’s ceiling is very high. What a striker we have on our hands

FireSide

#AfterThought

Next time we see Maresca fielding Sanchez as 9 and Cucu  in goal, we pick our popcorn buckets, sit down and watch silently.

Reece didn't put a foot wrong and could arguably  have easily had a man of the match award.

We are blessed to have Maresca.

But above all, when you hear chelsea sporting directors chasing wolowolo from limpompo as the next wonder kid / striker, OR want to sack Maresca and replace him with Okada Man from Malawi, as long as it's not Ten Hag,  again find your popcorn and just trust.

Reece went full Maldini mode yesterday, Maresca called for him to rise to the moment as a leader and Reece was immense. We have missed him sorely.

Team Ratings

A beautiful assist. 💫

#CFC | #CHENEW

🔗 Chelsea FC

Strasbourg have claimed 13 points from their first 9 games, which is their highest tally at this stage of the season since 2003/2004.