Ben Chilwell shared the conversation he had with one of Chelsea’s assistant managers after the Southampton win on Saturday.
As quoted by the club website, Chilwell detailed the chat he and a coach enjoyed post the Premier League victory against the Saints.
The defender probably had a lot to discuss, thanks to an afternoon full of personal highs and lows.
He made his first league appearance of the campaign and only a second start across all competitions since the Champions League final.
From devil to Saint
It seemed as if the 24-year-old’s significant day at Stamford Bridge was going to become a sour one after he gave away the penalty that allowed Southampton to draw level.
Thankfully, Chilwell was in the right place to smash home Chelsea’s third goal with a minute of normal time remaining.
His strike – a first for five months – ensured the Blues wrapped up all three points and go top of the table.
“I said to the assistant manager ‘that’s football’,” he revealed.
“I felt I had a good game but then gave the penalty away.
“I just tried to bounce back from that, and got the goal in the end.
“I thought it hit the post so I just played on! I heard the ref’s whistle go and was a bit baffled to be fair.
“That’s why my celebration wasn’t really a celebration.”
Ben bouncing back
Even if his reaction to scoring was limited, deep down Chilwell must’ve been jumping for joy.
Marcos Alonso’s form has largely kept the England international on the sidelines this term.
It’s also forced him out of Gareth Southgate’s plans, with the Frank Lampard signing excluded from the latest World Cup qualifying squad.
But Chilwell responded to being omitted from the Three Lions camp in admirable fashion.
Holding down the left-wing back spot must now be a priority for the former Leicester City man.
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