In times of trouble, we look to seek out the positives. After Chelsea’s disappointing result against Zenit in the Champions League and of course their damaging defeat to West Ham last weekend, it might be difficult to pick out any positive points. Let’s face it, it’s like putting lipstick on a pig.
However, I bring you your weekly dose of positivity. Despite the disappointing results, a certain misunderstood German looks to be on fire... finally.
Branded as a 'flop' for the Blues, Timo Werner has been subject to a lot of scrutiny for his previous performances. The numerous offside goals and the unbelievable big chances missed have not helped his case over the last 12 months, however, we might be set to witness him in his 'Super Saiyan' form.
Werner earned his first start since coming back from injury along with his fellow partner Romelu Lukaku. Both strikers made it to the score sheet, but only one made the difference. Whilst the £97m saviour struggled in front of goal, the supposed Chelsea “flop” managed a brace to keep Chelsea alive in the game.
Yes, Werner has had a tough time since his arrival in west London, yet no Chelsea player has scored more than him since he landed. Make of that what you will.
The fan base has called out for a Werner/Lukaku partnership upfront and Thomas Tuchel has answered. Both players share vast experiences playing upfront in a two. Werner with Yussuf Paulsen in RB Leipzig and Lukaku with Lauruto Martinez at Inter Milan. Their best years came playing a two and this could potentially be replicated under Tuchel.
I don’t want to jinx it, but ladies and gentlemen a partnership could be cooking up here whether we like it or not.
After watching Chelsea’s UCL match with Zenit, you could argue that Lukaku may be on the short end of the stick in this burgeoning partnership. Timo Werner absolutely stole the show. Though both strikers were on the score sheet, Werner was the mastermind, the shining light in a cloudy storm.
Lukaku’s form has been placed under the spotlight. The tide has shifted and fans are growing impatient with the chemistry between the striker and his teammates. Having lost Lukaku to injury for an entire month, Chelsea have been left to find goals without him. It should have been a struggle for the Blues, but it was actually a breeze. We have managed ridiculous scorelines without the Belgian such as the 7-0 Norwich massacre and the great 4-0 Juventus remontada. The attack looked more fluid than it had ever been.
There’s been a few whispers indicating that Lukaku may have messed up the vibe. I don’t believe that nonsense, however, the argument is tough to fight against. The Belgian may need Werner to unlock what we all know he is capable of doing. A keen eye for goal and a keen eye for assists, Werner is able to take his eye off the prize to include his fellow team mates. He provided an assist for Lukaku against Zenit to bring Chelsea level at 2-2.
It may be time to put an end to the doubts and finally embrace the German’s newfound form.
"I had to ignore it [the criticism]," Werner said. "If I kept thinking about it, I wouldn't have been able to play.
"At some point, I knew the goals would start to come. I know what I can do."
Earlier in the season, I mentioned that his confidence will be the decerning factor of his season. As he grows in confidence, his form continues to improve. Though this Chelsea team are suffering a knock to their confidence, Werner has just cause to have self-belief in his own ability.
Will his confidence be enough to carry Chelsea and Lukaku through a tough December period? I would like to hope so. He is now our joint top scorer this season and there is a run of games that will suit his pace. I expect him to start as many games as possible and score enough to help us back to winning ways. A little ambitious, I know but I did say I would be your dose of positivity.
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