Yorkshire grit v Southern softies? It should have been no contest on a cold, miserable night in Huddersfield, but the Blues never cease to surprise.
After a dire display against West Ham at the weekend, Chelsea bounced back to beat the Terriers 3-1, turning on the style with a masterclass in flicks, dinks, backheels and crossfield passes.
Willian led the line in the absence of the injured Alvaro Morata, and excelled at the heart of a fluid front three with Eden Hazard and Pedro.
While the Irons denied Chelsea thinking time on Saturday, Huddersfield were infinitely more accommodating on Tuesday.
Tony Conte was back to his animated self on the touchline and the hosts had no answer to the Blues' domination.
Only a couple of late substitutions belatedly revived the Terriers whose consolation goal in the second minute of stoppage time, courtesy of Laurent Depoitre's header, was their only shot on target.
The Blues host Southampton at the weekend, with fans hoping it's the gritty Chelsea on show, not the frustratingly off-key shower who failed to shine at the London Stadium.
The high point of Tuesday's satisfying performance came in the 43rd minute when Willian finished an excellent passing move by nodding home the Blues' second goal.
Has the Brazilian ever scored for Chelsea with his bonce before? Supporters were scratching their own to think of an occasion.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
