Ben Chilwell has revealed he is ‘buzzing’ for Chelsea’s next Premier League match against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Blues got their new Premier League campaign off to the perfect start after they claimed victory away at Everton, having failed to win at Goodison Park in five years prior to Saturday’s match.
Jorginho’s spot-kick on the stroke of half-time proved to be the only goal of the game, with Chilwell winning the penalty after a frustrating first half.
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Everton continued to threaten the Blues throughout the rest of the game, but Thomas Tuchel’s side were able to hold firm and take the three points back to west London.
For Chilwell, it was a momentous occasion as he made his first start for the side since November.
He picked up a serious injury to his anterior cruciate ligament against Juventus in the Champions League group stages, and had to spend a lot of time on the sidelines whilst he recovered.
After the game, he revealed how it felt to return to action for the Blues after such a long absence when he said: “I've had the whole of pre-season and a few extra weeks coming in early.
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“It's completely different to today. It's intense.
“One of the toughest places to come here, first game and happy to get the win. I'm exhausted."
Such a win has clearly brought confidence to the 25-year-old, who is now ready to go against Spurs at Stamford Bridge next weekend.
"Of course (looking forward to it),” he told the official Chelsea website.
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“It's the big one, isn't it? Tottenham at home, buzzing for that. We've got a week to prepare and work hard to get the three points."
Tuchel was full of praise for his defender after his return from injury, with Chilwell’s absence from the side proving to be a huge miss last season.
The German boss said: “Everyone is so happy. He worked so hard through pre-season and his holidays after his injury to have this possibility.
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“It came maybe early, he still lacks rhythm and full confidence. There is no other way than playing."
Chilwell now faces competition for the starting spot at left wing-back this season amid the transfer of Marc Cucurella from Brighton.
The Spaniard’s arrival was only confirmed on Friday, but he made his Chelsea debut against Everton as the game drew to a close.
Fellow summer signings Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly also played their first competitive minutes for the club, with their sights now set on the clash against Spurs.
Topics: Ben Chilwell, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Premier League
Robert Calcutt