Ben Chilwell has opened up on Chelsea’s chances in the Premier League after their opening win against Everton.
The defender made his long-awaited first start since returning from an ACL injury.
Chilwell missed the majority of last season through injury, having been substituted in Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Juventus, when the Blues were top of the Premier League.
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Thomas Tuchel’s side ended up finishing third in the league during Chilwell’s absence, with Marcos Alonso playing the rest of the season at left wing-back.
The Englishman stepped up his recovery towards the latter stages of last season, being able to feature on the final game of the campaign as a substitute in Chelsea’s victory over Watford.
Chilwell started the match as Chelsea began the season away at Everton, being replaced in the second half as the Blues came out as 1-0 victors.
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He played a key role during the clash, running onto a Kalidou Koulibaly pass before being brought down for a penalty in the dying seconds of the first half before Jorginho converted from the spot for the only goal of the match.
The wing-back has played down the pressure on him and his side for the new season as he admitted that Chelsea are a side in transition.
Speaking to Chelsea’s 5th Stand app after the match, Chilwell said: "We're a team in transition and we're trying to work together.
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“We've got new players that have been integrated in and a new ownership so we're still working hard and taking every game as it comes."
Chelsea boss Tuchel revealed his delight at seeing Chilwell return to the pitch as he praised the player for his hard work during the off-season to be ready to start the first match of the season.
"Everyone is so happy,” he told the official Chelsea website.
“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 will be hoping that his performance at Goodison Park is enough to see him earn his place in the team for Chelsea’s second match against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge next week.
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He faces competition from new signing Marc Cucurella, who impressed from the bench and will be hoping to earn his place in the team, whether at wing-back or on the left of a back three.
Topics: Chelsea, Ben Chilwell, Premier League, Football
Nick Emms