Chelsea claimed a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge last night to end their disastrous run of seven Premier League games without a victory.
The Blues took the lead through Enzo Fernandez, who reminded the club why they would be silly not to give him his salary demands.
Chelsea doubled their lead in the second half as Fernandez set up Andrey Santos to bag his first Premier League goal. He is another player the club should fight to keep.
However, Chelsea were not completely bulletproof, as evidenced by the goal conceded. They were also blunt up top in large parts due to Liam Delap.
Called upon by interim manager Calum McFarlane to lead the line in the absence of Joao Pedro, the Englishman failed to grab the chance.
Delap won only four out of 11 duels and shanked his only shot of the game high and wide. His link-up play was also poor.
One publication wrote that it was ‘difficult to see what he offers’ before giving him a 5/10 rating. Another claimed that his leading the line is like ‘having one arm tied behind your back‘.
Delap’s display summed up a frustrating debut campaign. Chelsea’s attacks often break down when the ball reaches him.
His movement is predictable, his finishing unreliable, and his habit of collecting yellow cards piles more pressure onto a side already struggling for control in matches.
The 23-year-old still has time to rebuild his reputation, but Chelsea cannot afford to keep waiting for a breakthrough that may never arrive.
This outing should be his final appearance in a Chelsea shirt. A loan move to Strasbourg could suit all parties, given their need for strikers.
Ipswich Town, Everton or Newcastle United may be willing to gamble on his raw attributes.
Chelsea need a more reliable focal point if they are serious about climbing back into contention next season.
Stats from Sofascore.