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Key takeaways from the match
The N'Golo Kanté role:
After Chelsea's loss to Tottenham, much discussion was made about N'Golo Kante's role in the midfield. Plenty of pundits were crying out for the Frenchman to play deeper in place of Jorginho.
This game offered plenty of insight as to why Jorginho is sitting at the base of the midfield. The Italian is one of the best 'registas' in the world and characterizes 'Sarriball'. The position requires a specific skill set which is crucial in recycling the possession and feeding the creative players on the team.
Kante's role, however, involves pressing the opposition team in their own half and also contributing in defensive transitions. Also, his offensive quality is severely underrated and as the team becomes more accustomed to Maurizio Sarri's ideas, every player's end product will also improve.
The fullback situation:
Marcos Alonso did not have a particularly good game and he was subbed off late in the second half for Davide Zaapacosta. The Spaniard's qualities are fairly known but dribbling, ball retention, and crossing might not be what he's renowned for.
Under Maurizio Sarri, fullbacks constitute a very key position in the system. Napoli's Faozi Ghoulam became one of the best left-backs of the world under Sarri, and Emerson, more than Alonso, is suited to the manager's idea of a fullback.
The Brazilian left-back has been impressing with his limited outings in the Europa League and should get an opportunity in the first team at the left back spot. Eden Hazard could greatly benefit from the direct running of Emerson.
Cesar Azplicueta has been very solid defensively over the years, playing everywhere across a back four and even a back three, but the Spaniard needs to improve his offensive product. Chelsea need a wide attacking threat from the right-hand side, as Chelsea's play often gets congested down the left-hand side. He needs to start producing regularly for his side.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
The 22-year-old Chelsea's academy product has been in and around the first team for quite some time now. He impressed last season on loan at Crystal Palace and also at the World Cup during his limited opportunities.
Playing time has been hard to come by for the youngster but his attitude has been nothing but exemplary. The midfielder has grabbed every chance that he got under his manager and there is a chance that he might be finally changing Maurizio Sarri's mind regarding his role in the squad.
Imposing physicality, excellent technique, top drawer dribbling ability, eye for a pass - he has it all. His defensive contribution has also improved over time. Ruben Loftus-Cheek might make Chelsea think twice about making Mateo Kovacic's signing permanent come the end of the season.
