I guess the key question is, who was on the other end of the line?
It’s not the first time Enzo’s done the phone call celebration, so let’s just leave it at the ambiguous notion that he’s answering the call — the call to action, the call to motivation, the call to perform, the call to lead, the call to win.
One goal, one assist. Three points and a win against Spurs.
And for just a fleeting moment, everything felt right with the world.
Hato’s finishing the season in great form, and I’m excited to see how he fits into Xabi Alonso’s plans, especially if we go to a back-three (and/or if, Marc Cucurella were to leave).
Having to make last-ditch tackles is not exactly the best plan of action in defending, but if you have to resort to one, it doesn’t get much better than the on from Hato against James Maddison in the final few minutes.
Getting the winner against Spurs is not a bad way to go about scoring your first Premier League goal!
But beyond just that, it’s been a pretty decent first full season at Chelsea for the young midfielder — never easy making the jump from Loan Army to regular first-team rotation — and he even got close to going to the World Cup with Brazil as a result.
We’re obviously better if Enzo sticks around, but Santos has great promise at 22 and could make the needed step up if he had to. We’ve got Valentín Barco coming in as well of course, so our midfield options should remain strong either way.
vs. SPURS (PL, H, W 2-1)
EXCEPTIONAL (8.5-9.5): —
EXCELLENT (7.5-8.4): Enzo (8.2)
GOOD (6.5-7.4): Hato (7.4), Santos (6.9), Sánchez (6.7), Palmer (6.6), Caicedo (6.4)
AVERAGE (5.5-6.4): Cucurella (6.3), Acheampong (6.2), Neto (5.7), Chalobah (5.6, sub), Fofana (5.9)
SUBPAR (4.5-5.4): Sarr (5.4, sub), Essugo (5.4, sub), Mheuka (5.3, sub)
BAD (3.5-4.4): Garnacho (4.0, sub), Delap (3.9)
TERRIBLE (2.5-3.4): —