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Chelsea registered a convincing 3-1 win over BATE Borisov during their Europa League Group L clash at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night. The Blues cruised to a healthy two-goal advantage within the first 10 minutes of the game and never looked like allowing the visitors back in the game as they continued to dominate possession for the majority of the game.
All three goals were scored by Chelsea academy graduate Ruben Loftus-Cheek as he made the best use of a rare opportunity that was handed out to him by Maurizio Sarri. The Englishman was a constant threat to Aleksei Baga's side courtesy of his natural ability to run at players and nimble movement that complements his strength and control over the ball.
BATE grabbed a consolation goal late in the second half through Alexei Rios in the 79th minute but Chelsea had already inflicted enough damage to emerge victorious as they continued their ascent in Group L after maintaining their 100 percent start so far in the competition.
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The result meant that Chelsea are more or less likely to emerge as winners in Group L after securing nine points from their opening three games while Videoton FC's win over PAOK FC in the other game on Thursday now means that all the three other teams mentioned including BATE are level on three points at this point in time.
On that note, let's take a closer look at the major talking points from Chelsea's win over the Belarusian champions under the lights at Stamford Bridge:
#1 Lightning quick Chelsea trigger the alarm bells early on
Chelsea came out all guns blazing and were quickly off their blocks as Maurizio Sarri’s men delivered a slick and clinical onslaught that resulted in two early goals within the first 10 minutes of the game.
The Blues were handsomely rewarded for their fearless and direct approach that helped them grab the game by the scruff of its neck as BATE were handed a reminder of the harsh reality with respect to the gulf in class between both sides.
It only took Ruben Loftus-Cheek two minutes to break the deadlock, before adding a second six minutes later, as Chelsea were in dreamland when they doubled their overall goal tally in the competition so far within just 10 minutes of play at Stamford Bridge.
The lightning start was the perfect testament to how life has panned out for Chelsea under the new manager as they set the tone for a result that ensured they maintained their unbeaten run so far this season.
#2 BATE Borisov need lessons on how to start games well
BATE Borisov have had no problems whatsoever in their domestic league competition for well over a decade and are now on their way to a 13th consecutive league title this season. However, the Belarusian champions have struggled to start games positively in their recent outings against PAOK FC and Chelsea respectively in the Europa League this season.
Aleksei Baga's men were 3-0 down within the first 15 minutes during their 4-1 loss to PAOK at home earlier this month while Chelsea established a healthy two-goal cushion within the first 10 minutes of play at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.
If you count out the probable winners of Group L in the form of Chelsea, it is still a widely open and competitive Group considering the fact that all the other teams are currently level on three points from their three games so far in the competition.
BATE are at home to Chelsea in their next assignment in the Europa League and the away trip to a raucous Thessaloniki after that could well decide if they can continue their involvement in Europe despite their unparalleled success back home.
#3 Loftus-Cheek carves out a niche for himself in a free-flowing midfield
Ruben Loftus-Cheek repaid the faith bestowed on him by the voices around Stamford Bridge that called out for more involvement for the academy graduate with a stellar showing for Chelsea on the night. At times, it almost looked lamentably easy for the midfielder who troubled the visitors with his driving runs and quick movement.
The 22-year-old, who decided to opt against leaving Chelsea in the summer on loan, has had to wait for his chance this season after being restricted to just 33 minutes of playing time so far in the Premier League and he made an absolute meal of it when it was presented to him.
The Englishman made the run inside the penalty box to sweep home Davide Zappacosta's perfect low cross into the back of the net for Chelsea's opening goal as early as in the second minute, while he redirected Willian's corner with a flick that helped the hosts extend their lead just six minutes later.
However, the pick of his goals came in the 52nd minute when he dispatched a clever side-foot finish from 20 yards out to complete his hat-trick to cap off a memorable display in front of the home fans, who were jubilant while singing "He's one of our own" to Loftus-Cheek's rhythm.
#4 A reminiscent return to London for Aleksandr Hleb
Aleksandr Hleb was presented with the opportunity to renew acquaintances with an old foe in the form of Chelsea when he was named in the starting eleven by Aleksei Baga. The midfielder, who spent three seasons across the capital in north London with Arsenal, is currently in his sixth spell with BATE Borisov in a career that has spanned well over two decades.
The veteran, who is a Champions League winner with Barcelona, did not particularly enjoy his return to London as he struggled to cope with the dynamic and free-flowing nature of Chelsea's midfield trifecta on the night. Mateo Kovacic had the better of him from time to time as the Croatian almost effortlessly floated around him with his neat touches and nimble movement.
Hleb picked up a booking in the first half for pulling back Kovacic after the Chelsea midfielder had robbed him of possession and initiated a counter-attack with a driving run. The 37-year-old had previously lost all three of his games at Stamford Bridge and could do very little to change that record with BATE on Thursday night before he was replaced early on in the second half.
#5 Sarri's rotation policy is slowly hitting a purple patch
Maurizio Sarri made eight changes to the Chelsea team that salvaged a point against Manchester United on Saturday with only Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mateo Kovacic and Willian surviving the Italian's rotation policy against BATE Borisov. Chelsea's midfield trio of Cesc Fabregas, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kovacic were in fact playing together for the first time but it almost seemed like they had been working under the manager for over an eternity.
Davide Zappacosta managed to make a good account for himself after he was handed a rare start at right-back while Andreas Christensen and Gary Cahill were largely untroubled if you count out the disappointment of conceding that late consolation goal. Emerson Palmieri grew in confidence as the game progressed and the performance from a potential second-string side was overwhelming, to say the least.
Sarri might not be spoilt for choices at Stamford Bridge when it comes to personnel but he has effectively worked out a way to efficiently rotate his players and keep them fresh with the games coming thick and fast.
The fact that Chelsea are still unbeaten under the new manager and that they have effectively secured maximum points from their three Europa League games so far will perhaps give a better account of the same than any words could, maybe!
