Chelsea showed promise in attack during a weekend match, with Cole Palmer involved in all three goals. The performance suggested the club's new front three could provide attacking thrust as manager Xabi Alonso's tactical principles take hold. Palmer appeared to benefit from a first extended break in three years.
The team generated danger in the final third and provided evidence they could mount a title challenge at a time when other Arsenal competitors had demonstrated weakness. Josh Acheampong put in an all-action defensive performance.
However, defensive and midfield play remained less convincing. The absence of a quality goalkeeper continues to be a problem for Chelsea, an issue that has persisted since Thibaut Courtois's departure.
