Chelsea started this next phase of Premier League football in encouraging fashion, playing Leicester City off the pitch on Saturday afternoon.
The Premier League returned after another international break, with Chelsea and Leicester City kicking off the action. It was the Blues who came out on top, scoring three goals in a performance that resembled that of Premier League champions.
Poor defensive performances had forced Antonio Conte into employing a three-man defence earlier than expected. The display against Hull City just before the break was encouraging and Conte carried on with the system on Saturday.
Despite being fit and available, John Terry was not in the starting eleven as David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta made up the central trio. Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso occupied by the wing-back roles. The only change came in the form of Pedro, who deputised for Willian.
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Chelsea started quickly, immediately pressing Leicester and taking control of the game. They were rewarded in the seventh minute, as Diego Costa lost Wes Morgan on a corner and applied a left-footed finish.
The Blues continued to dominate the ball and flow of play, getting a second just after the 30-minute mark. Eden Hazard capitalised on some good fortune to coast past Kasper Schmeichel and double the home side’s lead.
The second half saw Leicester look more up for a fight, but Chelsea’s defence held strong. A simply sublime pass by Nathaniel Chalobah then put Victor Moses in for the third goal and the confirmation of three points.
Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes team was evidently chosen with one eye on their midweek Champions League clash. The likes of Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani were on the bench and the visitors’ first half performance suggested that they didn’t care that much.
Nevertheless, Chelsea’s performance was clinical. It was the type of display fans used to see as the Blues romped to a Premier League title. Few people were expecting the club to challenge immediately under Antonio Conte, but given the stumblings of other contenders, they could still be in with a shout.
The two performances with the three-man defence have been the best from the Blues in over a year. The current central partnerships look solid, while the work-rates of Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses provide extra protection.
Furthermore, Eden Hazard is allowed to be more expressive as most of his defensive burden has been lifted. The fluidity in attack on show against Leicester was eye-catching to say the least.
Chelsea’s victory will certainly make supporters giddy. Conte’s three-man defensive system appears to have been embraced by the team and they look much better in it. A few more impressive performances in October will get fans dreaming again.