Lucy Oliva, BBC Radio London
If Chelsea fans were at risk of getting carried away after the impressive opening day performance and point against Liverpool, they were somewhat brought back down to earth by the 3-1 defeat at West Ham on Sunday.
Speaking after the match, manager Mauricio Pochettino stressed that the club must ‘believe in the process’ as they look to regain their place as serious top four contenders who regularly challenge for trophies.
But is it any surprise that this team will be confronted with teething problems? A side who’ve won just five of their last 31 competitive matches can’t be transformed overnight. Add into the mix another injury - this time to Carney Chukwuemeka - and it’s been a really challenging start to the campaign in terms of setbacks. New captain Reece James sidelined, in the process of bedding in an exciting new midfield partnership when the season is already underway, and questions over the best defensive set up with a plethora of personnel to accommodate.
It’s no wonder Pochettino is having to manage expectations - but there’s a fine balance to strike as he also demands more from a squad who seriously underperformed in the last campaign.
In theory, hosting newly-promoted Luton Town under the lights on Friday night at Stamford Bridge should be the perfect opportunity to flex their muscles and show their class against a side who were handily beaten by Brighton on the opening day. Anything but a win and the Blues won’t be far from their latest crisis!
