After a dramatic late victory for the Blues over Liverpool, the international break quickly took over the footballing world. But for Chelsea and their supporters, the focus remains on how to improve upon an inconsistent start to the season.
There is no secret around Cobham that the start to the season has been anything but ideal. Injuries have decimated the squad depth and taken significant playtime from stars such as Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill.
Yet, after a massive win against an admittedly struggling Liverpool side, the future following the international break looks brighter. Unfortunately for the Blues, the biggest challenge facing the team is the number of key injuries and how the team can cope with the absence of such important players.
But luckily for Chelsea, the answer is clear. There is one the thing they can do to turn things around. That is to trust the youth.
Chelsea must trust the youngsters to turn this season around
In the Premier League, to survive an injury crisis is a tall task, but for Enzo Maresca, the solution to the problem may be the same one that saw the team defeat Liverpool: to be brave. Not only in tactics but in a willingness to trust and give significant minutes to youngsters who lack the experience of the team's more senior members.
If Estevao’s impact on the match points to any conclusion, it is that Maresca needs to believe in the youth he has. From the moment he came onto the pitch versus Liverpool, the 18-year-old Brazilian international was a point of difference and showed no fear despite the weight of the moment.
While his goal at the back post was the decisive moment, his impact throughout his cameo was even more impressive. He continuously took on his man and attempted to make decisive final balls into the box, many of which nearly resulted in the winner before he got the job done himself.
Additionally, Jorrel Hato and Josh Archempong both had strong showings in the back line and proved why they can contribute to a shaky and injured defensive unit. Maresca has been slow to give either youngster minutes, but given where the club stands now, he will have to trust that his talented youth can perform like experienced veterans.
Within a week's time Chelsea will match up with Nottingham Forest away, and Ajax and Sunderland at home. Three matches of high importance as a significant hurdle with minimal time for rest between matches. It will require a collective push from all members of the healthy squad, and there is no doubt that if the club is to see three wins, then strong youth performances will be at the core.