Chelsea 5-1 Chesterfield: 5 Talking Points as ruthless Chelsea open campaign in style | FA Cup 2021-22

#3 Narrow Chesterfield backline proves cannon fodder for Chelsea

Chesterfield's defensive positioning was shambolic in the first half..

Most of Chelsea's chances on the night and even the set-pieces leading to goals were a result of Chesterfield's narrow defending. The visitors maintained a very narrow back three for mosy of the first half and even for large swathes of the second. Their wing-backs had a tough time defending the Blues' incessant attacks.

That meant Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi wreaked havoc on the touchline. As a prominent user of the three-man backline, Tuchel had a comfortable game on the night.

With Chesterfield chasing promotion this season, they will hope to learn the tough lessons from their chastening defeat at Chelsea.

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#4 Chelsea strut Cobham talent against Chesterfield

Loftus-Cheek was handed the captain's armband in the second half.

As Harvey Vale, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Lewis Baker entered the party on the hour-mark, it was a great spectacle for home fans at Stamford Bridge.

At one point of time in the second half, Chelsea boasted six academy players on the pitch. That only sheds light on the herd of talent coming out of the famed Cobham academy, which has produced the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah. The trio are now an integral part of the Chelsea first team.

It has been a commendable effort from Thomas Tuchel to ease out many young players into the senior ranks this season. That is a welcome departure from what a few other illustrious Chelsea managers did at the club.

In this COVID-stricken period, the new jewels of Cobham might be ready to play a more prominent role pretty soon.

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#5 Kabongo Tshimanga impresses against Chelsea

Chesterfield's front three celebrate a goal against Chelsea.

Chesterfield's unlikely goal came through substitute Akwasi Asante. However, that was largely due to Kabongo Tshimanga's composed and strong play in the final third.

The 24-year-old, who has previously represented the England C team, showed resilience and technique to hold off pressure Lewis Baker and Malang Sarr to get his shot on target. Betinelli saw his effort saved, but Asante was on hand to tuck in the rebound.

Tshimanga was one of the key players in this game, which was dominated by the Chelsea stars. The striker has scored 18 goals in 20 Conference Premier games this season, and is the top scorer in the competition at the moment. After almost scoring Chesterfield's opener at Stamford Bridge, Tshimanga showed great confidence against an illustrious opponent.

Though the Spireites bowed out of the competition, they can go with their heads held high. They scored away to deny the European Champions a clean sheet on the night.