Despite spending £320 million in January, Chelsea's new era got off to an uninspiring start in a goalless draw with west London rivals Fulham.
There was a palpable buzz before kick-off as Graham Potter threw caution to the wind and named both Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk in his attacking starting line-up for a west London derby under the Friday night lights.
The Chelsea faithful got in early to catch a glimpse of their new £106 million man, as well as Mudryk after his tantalising cameo against Liverpool a fortnight ago. Reece James' return only added to the buoyant mood.
Unfortunately, the match didn't deliver on the pre-game optimism.
A feisty first half produced few chances, but Enzo was at the heart of the best of them. After Kepa Arrizabalaga had got down expertly to turn a fierce Andreas Pereira strike round the post, the Argentine's long ball played Mason Mount in but Kai Havertz was unable to finish from his cut-back on the stretch.
The German was the villain again as he spurned another glorious opening on the stroke of half-time, looping the ball onto the post after a sumptuous pass from Hakim Ziyech.
The second half was similarly fractious and cagey, with a raft of chances arriving in the latter stages. Enzo came within a whisker of capping off a fine debut as he whipped a loose ball narrowly wide from range, before substitute David Datro Fofana showed excellent composure to round the goalkeeper AND a defender, only to see his weak finish agonisingly blocked on the line.
Yet again Chelsea's lack of goalscoring prowess cost them on a frustrating night, despite Enzo's midfield dynamism.
Here are GOAL's winners, losers and player ratings from Stamford Bridge…
Getty ImagesThe Winners
Enzo Fernandez:
There was tangible anticipation around the ground when it was revealed Enzo would be starting following his British record move from Benfica, and he didn't disappoint on debut. The Argentine sprayed passes about with ease to earn oohs and ahs from his adoring new fans, and sprung two of Chelsea's best attacks with sumptuous long balls. You have to pay a premium for diamonds like this guy.
Noni Madueke:
The winger has been somewhat overshadowed by some of his fellow, bigger-name, bigger-money new arrivals. He was keen to grab the limelight here, though, taking the game to Fulham off the bench and popping up all over the pitch. A very encouraging start for the English youngster.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang:
Having been cut from Chelsea's Champions League squad earlier on Friday to make way for the Blues' raft of new signings, Aubameyang was left out altogether here, not even getting a place on the bench despite being fit – perhaps an indication that the veteran striker won't figure in this new era at Stamford Bridge. Not a good day for Auba.
Kai Havertz:
A rough night for the German. Some will say he was unlucky, others will say he lacked a clinical edge. Either way, he probably should have scored at least once on the night, first failing to convert from Mount's cut-back on the stretch and then hitting the post after dinking the onrushing Bernd Leno. Most of Stamford Bridge probably would have preferred to see him smash it.
Mykhailo Mudryk:
Failed to build upon his dazzling debut at Anfield, with Fulham often doubling up on him and ensuring he didn't have the time or space to influence proceedings. With Marc Cucurella often put under pressure at the other end, he was forced to do more defensive work than he would have liked, too.
Marc Cucurella:
Fulham had clearly earmarked Chelsea's left flank as a weak area – whoever might have been starting – and Cucurella was targeted by Bobby Reid and Aleksandar Mitrovic throughout. His inclination to push forward often left him exposed, but he was fortunate to either have his colleagues covering or to make it back in the nick of time.
Getty ImagesChelsea Ratings: Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (7/10):
Top-drawer save to get down and palm away Pereira's vicious drive that was destined for the bottom corner. On his toes to catch an Aleksandar Mitrovic shot from halfway.
Reece James (6/10):
Back from injury (again). Understandably didn't look wholly fit. Lasted until the hour mark but the best is yet to come.
Thiago Silva (7/10):
Marshalled with his usual poise and didn't look unduly bothered by anything Fulham threw his way.
Benoit Badiashile (7/10):
Another assured performance and his ball-playing ability is a real plus. Did well in aerial duels against the imposing Mitrovic.
Marc Cucurella (5/10):
Fulham seemed to target him with a number of their attacks coming down his flank. Recovery pace helped him out.
Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesMidfield
Conor Gallagher (6/10):
Able to do the dirty work that he so loves with Enzo playing the deep-lying creator. Fired just wide late on before creating the chance for Fofana.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
A full debut for the British record transfer – and he didn't disappoint. Launched Chelsea's two best attacks in the first period with sublime long balls and barely misplaced a pass.
Mason Mount (6/10):
Fired up for the derby and full of running. Deserved an assist for Havertz. Subbed in the second period as his influence waned.