Chelsea’s 2-3 reversal at the Bridge was an unideal start for the Premier League Champions. It may have been Matchday 1, and there are 38 games to the season, but the lack of reinforcements to a relatively thin squad is a real issue. 

Chelsea simply fell apart without Gary Cahill, who is not world class by any stretch. The lack of leaders in an Antonio Conte team is surprising. Without Eden Hazard and Pedro, Chelsea were inspid. Rudderless. Grinding out the right results may prove to be tough without some stardust off the bench. Michy Batshauyi will need more time, but he is no Diego Costa. Leading the line is a tough business, and Costa did it better than most. Alvaro Morata will likely turn out to be an astute purchase, but he will need support and the supply to convert chances. Chelsea need to control games, as Conte’s teams do. And Chelsea’s title hopes alive. 

Advantage Manchester.