The performances have remained shaky under Liam Rosenior, especially on the defensive side of things, but Chelsea have found ways to win. That is the most important thing for a club of this magnitude, something that at times appeared a few of the previous BlueCo-appointed managers did not understand. Last night, the Blues did something that has not happened in over a year, which is beating Napoli in their own backyard.
Enzo Fernandez put the Blues ahead from the spot but then they conceded twice to go a goal down, with Wesley Fofana not covering himself in glory on both occasions. But just when it looked like Chelsea would have to play a knockout tie for a last 16 spot in the Champions League, Joao Pedro scored a phenomenal brace.
The first was a terrific striker from distance after carrying the ball past a couple of Napoli defenders. The second was a brilliantly placed finish with his other foot.
The Brazilian has been excellent under Rosenior. Even Napoli boss and former Chelsea Premier League-winning manager, Antonio Conte, was blown away by Pedro's performance. He told Sky Italia (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
"Joao Pedro made the difference. Today, he is an important player for Chelsea. He condemned us and forced us to play the game against a top club that has extraordinary players."
'Made the difference' - Antonio Conte impressed by one Chelsea player
Pedro has had his ups and downs since joining the club in the summer. He is enjoying a great run of form at the moment though. Let's hope he can carry this on, instead of dropping away, as he had done under Enzo Maresca. For now, Rosenior seems to be getting the best out of the Brazilian, and this was his greatest performance in a Chelsea shirt.
Admittedly, Napoli have not been as good this season as they were the last time around. Also, Conte's ability to deliver in Europe has always been questionable. That being said, going away to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium and getting a win was always a tough task. The Blues managed to deliver.
Hopefully, this will give the Blues a ton of confidence. Another highlight of the night was the return of Cole Palmer, who came off the bench to provide two assists, reminding the fans of the quality he has got, even though an injury-riddled season has clearly affected his performances.
There are still areas where Rosenior needs to work on. The defensive structure is one of them. That being said, the club's failure to sign a centre-back this winter so far, despite having a three-man shortlist, needs to be questioned as well.