2. Timo Werner’s work rate erases a persistent string of bad luck
Whew, what a roller coaster this match was for Werner. Drawing a rare start, the German immediately made an impact on this match, something I am not certain Southhampton was prepared for given his recent form.
At first, it appeared that Werner was on pace for the type of unlucky day that has become his trademark during his time at Chelsea. It started with a shot off the post in the 2′, which was quickly followed up by a strike that rattled the crossbar just four minutes later. His knack for bad luck appeared again in the 17′, when his brilliant close-range shot was saved by Fraser Forster in what could have—on another day—been his third goal of the contest. Werner’s luck changed in the 21st and 49th minutes when he delivered two goals. The former was the result of a brilliant counterattack that allowed the German to display his elite speed to create a one-on-one with the keeper that was slipped in with relative ease. It was everything Chelsea supporters dreamed of when their side signed Werner and then some.
Suffice it to say, Werner is a bit of an enigma. On one hand, he has mustered some laughable blunders on simple finishes that have caused many to question if he can succeed in a Premier League that features an unrivaled level of physicality and skill from defenders. On the other, he is impossible to root against due to his unrivaled work rate and fun-loving personality. Almost every time he enters the pitch he ensures that he does everything within his power to contribute to team success. Werner showed on Saturday that—at times—his commitment to relentless effort can create great rewards, as it did against Saints when he netted a brace.