Chelsea claimed a 5-1 win over Bournemouth in West London to return to winning ways after a difficult few games under new boss Xabi Alonso.
The Blues were rampant at Stamford Bridge, racing into a two-goal lead through Jordan Henderson and Morgan Rogers before Joao Pedro bagged just after the break.
Chelsea remain defensively suspect and allowed the visitors to score before Joao Pedro wrapped things up, and Henderson put the gloss on with a fantastic free-kick.
Henderson stole the show with two great goals, and Joao Pedro was at his brilliant best while Rogers and Cole Palmer were equally stellar for Chelsea.
Moises Caicedo’s return added steel, and Josh Acheampong looked good. However, the unsung hero of the afternoon was Chelsea left-back Pep Chavarria.
The 28-year-old had another solid outing after breaking into the first team ahead of the error-prone Jorrel Hato.
Chavarria is very good at the basics. He defended his area rigidly and got forward with purpose, recording an assist for Joao Pedro’s second.
He made two progressive carries, completed ½ crosses, 2/6 long balls, and 35/39 passes (90 percent accuracy).
He won ⅜ duels, made five clearances to alleviate the pressure on the Chelsea rearguard, and recorded one interception.
Signing Chavarria could prove to be one of the few inspired signings of the Clearlake era at Chelsea.
The Blues have spent close to £2 billion since the takeover, yet their most effective addition could be an inexpensive, relatively unknown left-back from La Liga.
Crucially, Chavarria was reportedly a player Alonso wanted, rather than another expensive prospect signed to fit the club’s long-term strategy.
His performances suggest Chelsea may finally have backed their manager with the right player profile.
‘The Spaniard looks better with each game he gets under his belt.’
While the likes of Pedro, Caicedo and Palmer attract the headlines, Chavarria is quietly proving his worth. Sometimes, the smartest transfer isn’t the most expensive.