After Chelsea’s first European action for an age comes the mouth-watering prospect of a serious London derby.
The Blues v Arsenal needs no hype, but with new striker Alvaro Morata enjoying a rich streak of form, it’s a game to relish.
The Spaniard looked all at sea for his first couple of games; uncertain about team tactics, hesitant in his six-yard-box positioning and seemingly frustrated by the Premier League’s pace and physicality.
But he has rapidly gained his feet and his confidence, and Tony Conte’s faith has been fully repaid with the striker’s movement on and off the ball a joy to behold.
Last weekend’s win at Leicester owed a lot to Morata, who headed home a fine ball from Cesar Azpilicueta to unlock the stalemate and help the Blues achieve their first away win in the month of September in four years.
Ending that peculiar jinx augers well for Chelsea as another tough task is on the horizon… Stoke away.
So where is all going right, after another strangely panicky transfer window?
The new Blues spirit is about successfully turning indignation into determination. Chelsea have harnessed a still raw sense of injustice about Gary Cahill’s suspension, and funnelled it into gritty togetherness.
That hasn’t always been the case with Chelsea lately, but this is a side with a burgeoning belief underpinned by a steel backbone. Bring on the Gooners.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
