Express
A Raheem Sterling brace against a Wesley Fofana-less Leicester secured Chelsea their first win since their opening day victory against Everton. The ten-man Blues, who lost Conor Gallagher to a first-half red card, survived a late Foxes onslaught to win 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. Here are five things Express Sport learned.
Raheem Sterling scores but attacking trio failing to click
Thomas Tuchel fielded the same front three that has started the Blues’ three other Premier League fixtures so far, but Sterling, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz are taking a while to truly click. Sterling’s goal early in the first half was the first time any of the trio had scored this season.
A move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – or another striker – could not come soon enough. Havertz played well as a No 9 when Romelu Lukaku struggled last season, but the German featuring in the role cannot be a long-term option.
Sterling then added a second midway through the second half. But there is still plenty of work to do to get Chelsea’s attacking clicking.
Conor Gallagher’s disaster could see him loaned out
Gallagher has turned down several loan offers this summer in a bid to impress at Chelsea. The 22-year-old, a boyhood Blues fan, has been desperate to forge a career at Stamford Bridge.
But two overzealous challenges saw Gallagher’s afternoon end after just 28 minutes. This red card could prompt Tuchel to send the academy graduate back out on loan.
Chelsea are widely expected to sign another midfielder this summer, while N’Golo Kante will soon return from injury. That will see Gallagher pushed further down the pecking order.
Crystal Palace, where Gallagher impressed last season, would jump at the chance of taking the midfielder back for another term. The England starlet would not be short of options.
Wesley Fofana will go straight into Chelsea’s team
Fofana is edging closer to a move from Leicester to Chelsea. The defender hinted that a deal could be imminent on Twitter on Saturday.
The 21-year-old was not involved in this game but will surely go straight into Chelsea’s team when his transfer is confirmed. Harvey Barnes’ second-half strike was the third time Chelsea have conceded in their four matches this term…
