Football without supporters in the terraces is a vastly diminished experience both for players and supporters watching on television. For journalists in the pressbox, however, the absence of fans provides an opportunity to hear on-pitch conversation with much more clarity.
Today in east London, Chelsea got their first win of the Thomas Tuchel era. They deposed Burnley 2-0 with ease, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso scoring the goals. The malaise of last month seems behind Chelsea now. Since taking over for Frank Lampard, Tuchel has deployed Callum Hudson-Odoi in the role of an attacking right back and CHO wreaked havoc on the Burnley defence today.
Sean Dyche tasked Robbie Brady with containing Hudson-Odoi on his overlapping runs. CHO has been man of the match in both of Chelsea's games under Tuchel, and containing him is a tall order for any footballer.
Liam Twomey of the Athletic reported that an intriguing exchange took place between Brady and his manager Sean Dyche in the second half regarding Hudson-Odoi.
Dyche to Brady after that last Hudson-Odoi overlap: “Robbie!!! Tune in!!!l”
Brady: “I know where he f**king is, I just can’t stop him. What do you want me to do?” #CFC— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 31, 2021
It's the kind of conversation that no footballer would want journalists to overhear. Brady was merely being honest: no one in the Burnley XI had an answer for the revived Chelsea attack. Chelsea fans, eager to see more of Hudson-Odoi, reveled in the tweet.
I’d say today was @Calteck10 best game for @ChelseaFC https://t.co/xBS4QySwBT
— ed⭐️⭐️ (@edcfc73) January 31, 2021
The kid had Brady rattled 😩🤣. He’s nowhere near his peak play yet. It’s a wrap for defenders https://t.co/mStVP265Cp
— YI (@_Idzszz) January 31, 2021
Five minutes after this exchange, Brady was replaced by Joel Mumbongo.
Speaking after the match, Dyche was philosophical about the gulf in class between the sides.
"I thought first half, apart from the goal, which by our standards was poor on transition, I was reasonably pleased, it was just the detail in the front third, our centre forwards and wide players got in some really good positions, but we didn't make the most of them, and when you're at these clubs, you have to.
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