Everton 0-1 Chelsea: The one where Chelsea won at Goodison Park

Thiago Silva ageing like a fine wine

Chelsea's start to the 2022/23 season is not going to go down as a classic. It was laboured and had not one but two medical emergencies - on and off the pitch. The lone goal a penalty struck deep into first-half injury time. But none of that matters. It was a win away at their bogey ground all while facing Frank Lampard in the dugout and bedding in new signings. A brilliant way to kick-off the campaign and set the tone for a season like no other.

Summer signings Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling were both handed a place in the starting lineup while late transfer Marc Cucurella came on late in the second half for his first minutes in a Chelsea shirt. Although the most anticipated debut came just before the full time whistle as blonde bombshell Conor Gallagher came on for goal-scorer Jorginho.

Chelsea could often be accused of problematic transfers or 'panic-buys' in the transfer window - but this was a rare time that you couldn't. However some very prolific figures in the media have come out swinging all repeating the same panic claims. The club have lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to La Liga, with Marcos Alonso looking to follow them. Quite sensibly, the Blues have signed an experienced centre back and versatile left back who can slot into any of the now vacant roles. Both deals were preceded by the arrival of Sterling as Timo Werner prepares to return to Germany. It could literally be the most thoughtful transfer window the club have had - systematically replacing outgoing players. Gary Neville and Martin Keown... do better.

While Thiago Silva was most certainly the player of the match against Everton, Chelsea's three new signings all managed to catch the eye on their debuts. Koulibaly was solid in defence alongside O Monstro. While not overly threatened by the Toffees, when called upon he always showed great composure and came out on top. Sterling offered a glimpse of what is to come. While he didn't register a goal or assist he kept busy, found space and troubled the defenders - arguably unlucky not to come away with anything. Cucu did not get the same mins as the other two having had just one training session with his new teammates - but he looked exciting enough that Ben Chilwell should be reasonably worried.

Jorginho's hop-skip-jump penalty technique divides opinion - for good reason. He opted out this time as he faced old Euros foe Jordan Pickford from the spot. As successful as he is on penalties - having Wembley shootout flashbacks did me no favours for my confidence in his scoring. But the Everton keeper went the wrong way in to ensure the Italian keeps his place as the de facto penalty taker and Chelsea left Goodison Park with all three points.

Next up - Antonio Conte's new-look Spurs.

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RESULT: Everton 0-1 Chelsea

GOALS: Jorginho 45+9'

CHELSEA XI:  Mendy, Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly (Cucurella 75'), James, Kante, Jorginho (Gallagher 90+9'), Chilwell (Loftus-Cheek 65'), Mount (Pulisic 65'), Sterling, Havertz (Broja 75')

STAR MAN: Thiago Silva