And last but certainly not least, new boss Enzo Maresca has been nominated for Manager of the Month after leading Chelsea to three wins and an (unfortunate) draw in September. Maresca is the first Chelsea manager to be up for this award since Thomas Tuchel three years ago, in 2021.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca feels Cole Palmer is a player that "needs to be protected" but insists his side are not dependent on the midfielder. Palmer was not named in the Chelsea squad for the Europa Conference League group stages and will have the night off when the Blues open up against Gent at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Enzo Maresca has made it abundantly clear that he analyses performances rather than results. What to make of this, then? First, the facts. Chelsea are up and running in the Conference League, victorious to the tune of a 4-2 victory over Gent in their group-stage opener.