After the International break, Chelsea were presented with the opportunity to close the gap on the pacesetters of the league with an early kick-off on Saturday and boy, they grabbed the chance with aplomb, smashing two goals in the opposition's net before half-time. Here are six takeaways from Chelsea's victory over Leicester City at Stamford Bridge.
1 - This Chelsea team looks reborn after Antonio Conte switched to a 3-4-3 formation.
Since the dismal performance in the first half of the London derby against Arsenal, Chelsea are yet to concede a goal in about 225 minutes plus there are signs the team are buying into Conte's principles. Stats shows that Leicester City had no shot on target throughout the entire match.
2 - The introduction of three youth team players shows that Antonio Conte will be doing things differently from previous managers.
Reports over the years have been that academy products haven't made the transition into the first team even though Chelsea have performed well in age grade competitions. Previous managers seem not to trust the youth team players but on Saturday, Conte introduced Ola Aina, Ruben Loftus cheek and Nathaniel Chalobah with the later assisting Moses's goal.
3 - Star forward Diego Costa continued to lead the line perfectly.
Finished off a flick from Nemanja Matic of a corner-kick to put Chelsea in front in the 7th minute. He played the game having in mind that a booking from the referee would mean suspension from the Manchester United clash next week and so promptly gestured at the bench to be taken off in minutes. A word of advice to Costa, 'just do your job as a player and Conte will certainly do his as a coach.'
Cesc Fabregas in the colours of spain.
4 - These are certainly hard times for Cesc Fabregas as he wasn't on the team list against Leicester City.
The player who played a major part in the title winning team under Jose Mourinho just can't find his place under Conte. There are reports linking him with a deal in January which would see the Spanish International move to Juventus plus cash and Leonard Bonucci heading to Stamford Bridge. Certainly, his days are numbered at the Bridge.
5 - Victor Moses looks to be enjoying new lease of life under Antonio Conte.
The Nigerian has been a peripheral figure since his move from Wigan athletic in the summer of 2012 for a fee around £9m. Coaches like Rapheal Benitez and Jose Mourinho during their stint with Chelsea never trusted the winger plus the fact that injuries never helped his course. Since Conte became Chelsea's manager, he has been impressive, scoring three goals so far.
Our hearts are with willian, adieu Mama.
6 - The absence of Willian due to the loss of his mother this past week cast a dark cloud over Stamford Bridge as the heart of all blues faithfuls were with the Brazil international. The team wore a black armband in a show of support for their teammate as strikes by Diego Costa and Eden Hazard were celebrated with both players making the 'W' sign with their fingers.
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