Kawasaki Frontale 1-0 Chelsea: The one that Christian Pulisic made his debut

*INSERT OBVIOUS JOKE HERE*

Three pre-season games in and Frank Lampard has suffered his first defeat as Chelsea boss. And as much as anyone says that pre-season results don’t matter, it could not have felt good. But it isn’t all doom and gloom in July… those new mod kits got their first run out and looked good doing it. They deserved better — or at least a goal.

This was the first match that saw any players see more than 45 minutes of action. In fact two players managed to endure the insane humidity for the full 90 - and not to worry, David Luiz seemed to have a good frizz control product in his hair to keep looking out of sorts. Ironically the other player that saw out the entire match was not even meant to start. Willy Caballero heroically stepped in for Kepa who was struck down with some bug but will likely see his first minutes of the summer against Barcelona on Tuesday. No pressure.

Leicester vs Chelsea: The one that saw improper footballers in action

Do not be alarmed. Chelsea have only gone and done a win. In a meaningful game no less. And just to keep it all really interesting the players were forced to play against the power of the tracksuit. It’s not quite turning things around at Camp Nou to progress in the Champions League - but it is a semi-final at Wembley. I will take it! So you lot can stop grumbling about the season and get yourselves up for it. Chelsea are 180 mins away from potentially lifting a trophy at the end of this season.

Some takeaways from Sunday’s game in varying degrees of usefulness as we look ahead to the end of the season

West Ham vs Chelsea: The one that had a hot water bottle (and not much else)

Saturday’s early kick-off had the potential to ruin a lot of weekends. At least for those are Chelsea-inclined. And it certainly felt disastrous at the time, however, with as results trickled in over the next 36 hours it wasn’t SO bad. It wasn’t great, but it could have been so much worse. Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all dropped points keeping Chelsea safely tucked up in a Champions League place — losses to West Ham and Crystal Palace be damned.

More concerning than the actual result was the realisation that teams of a certain calibre know that they can ‘get at’ Chelsea. David Moyes’ West Ham played Champions-elect Manchester City last week. To face that free-scoring force, Moyes fielded a teenage defender and didn’t even bother with a striker. While his side are relatively injury plagued at the moment, it still highlights that they were prepared to take that loss on the chin. 

Leicester vs Chelsea: The One that was Zappa-tastic

Fernando -- is that you?

Remember when Chelsea were in crisis FORTY-FIVE minutes into the season? No doubt they’ll be plunged into chaos under the weight of expectation again this season. But it does say something to holding back and reserving judgement for like maybe a whole match. Or even a handful of matches. Unless you’re Crystal Palace and Frank de Boer. 

Still without captain Gary Cahill, Chelsea forged ahead with their back three of David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger. Guttering for Andreas Christensen. Although one would expect he’ll see his chance this month with Chelsea playing seven matches in twenty-two days. It would be nice for the youngster to start in the Champions League - Qarabag anyone? - but may have to wait until Nottingham Forest come to town next week.

Chelsea vs Transfer Market: The one that's a brief overview so far

Not Diego Costa

Well it certainly has been a while since you and I sat down for a little chat. That's on me. But let's be honest, you didn't need me waffling on as Chelsea marched on to another Premier League title. And it only being amazing as it's the Don's first season. Thankfully no one got too big headed in the matter as the FA Cup swiftly provided a nice balancing out of the universe. Although it did not make for a brilliant day out for yours truly. Thankfully there's Sailor Jerry to sort out those sorts of days.