Brighton 1-3 Chelsea: The one with a lot of new faces

There's always something terribly exciting about the first game of a new season. It's not just a clean slate, an opportunity to put the sins of the previous season behind us. It's a moment of hope and re-connection. Most seasons there is a  brilliant first day of school vibe in the stands. Supporters who spend the season together shoulder to shoulder, sharing the highs and lows of every one of those 90 minutes get to see one another again. Often spending a summer apart there's a chance to catch up on one another's lives before quickly decompressing the transfers and expectations for the season ahead.

The start of this season was never going to be like any other. Fans are still relegated to watching behind a screen and will have to wait to see the familiar faces and the sounds that make the match going experience what it really is. Like much of the last six months, we will persevere and make the most of it - but football won't ever be quite the same until fans can watch together.

Covering Frank Lampard's summer spending would be akin to penning some sort of tome. Like so many of us in lockdown, Frank was feeling spendy. It made for one of the most exciting transfer windows in years. And if rumours are to be believed -- he's not done yet. Although I reckon Chelsea could get by without Declan Rice. But that's a ramble for another day.

With all that money spent on incredible attacking talent, it was two defenders and a holding midfielder to get on the scoresheet for Chelsea. Of course it doesn't tell the whole story about anyone's performance on Monday night, but who doesn't love a bit of irony along with their football?!

Despite signing nearly a complete new starting XI, just two new signings made their Premier League debuts - the German dynamic duo of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz. Unlike most of Twitter I won't pretend to be an avid follower of the Bundesliga. Although when they were the first league to return - I definitely filled my boots. So both were relatively unknown quantities. With the hype machines in overdrive these days I prefer to remain cautiously optimistic due to let downs past. Alvaro Morata anyone?

Kai Havertz had a far longer season than most with Bayer Leverkusen's involvement in the Europa League and how long it took for Chelsea to get the deal over the line. While he made some impressive runs and did some exceptional defensive work to win back a ball he had lost, it would be disingenuous to really look at his debut. He had just a few days with the squad and potentially just one proper training session ahead of the Brighton clash. There were flashes - but there is so much more to come from him.

Timo Werner on the other hand pushed through his SW6 switch like an absolute hero and has been able to work with his new teammates for a lot longer and it showed. He may not have been on the score sheet but no matter. He won the penalty to open the scoring, was absolutely tireless throughout the game and caused Brighton nothing but problems. This man wants goals and could be the player Chelsea have been missing since the days of Didier Drogba.

A special mention for potentially man of the match Tariq Lamptey. He was exceptional and would have been a great loss when he forced through his Chelsea exit earlier this year... but Reece James. Academy stars saw throughout the season if there was ever a chance to break through at Chelsea, now was the time. But with a talent like Reece James ahead of him in the pecking order, he knew he'd have to wait too long. Fair play. 

After a few eyebrow-raising performances throughout 'Project Restart', Reece James has looked to have bounced back with aplomb. He marshaled the right side of the pitch and scored a rocket out of nowhere to rescue any potential embarrassment following Leandro Trossard's shock equaliser. Timing is everything.

As it was the first game of the season I will somewhat reserve judgement, but Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Wow. He played like he wasn't fully fit, but I'm mildly concerned he was actually match fit. With half the team out on quarantine for their Mykonos adventures and new players coming in left and right, this was his moment. This was his chance to show Frank Lampard what he can bring to the side and why he should be picked ahead of anyone else. Instead it often felt like Chelsea were playing with just nine outfielders. There won't be many more of these moments - it will be up to him to take them or do a Drinkwater.

It won't go down in history as the most convincing 3-1 win in Premier League history but it doesn't matter. Three points are in the bank. Three goals were in the net. Chelsea's new club sponsor must be chuffed.

Next up -- Timo Werner's long-term suitors Liverpool.

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SCORE: Brighton 1-3 Chelsea

GOALS: Jorginho 23, Trossard 54, James 56, Zouma 66

CHELSEA XI: Kepa, James, Christensen, Zouma, Alonso, Jorginho (Azpilicueta 85), Kante, Mount, Loftus-Cheek (Barkley 61), Havertz (Hudson-Odoi 80), Werner

STAR MAN: Timo Werner