BBC pundit Garth Crooks has named Ben Chilwell in his Premier League team of the week, claiming his impact was the reason the Blues returned to winning ways at the weekend.
Chelsea were struggling yet again in the league as they trailed 1-0 at home after Michail Antonio’s opener, before the wing-back was introduced in the second half.
Chilwell went on to score a brilliant goal from a tight angle, before a pinpoint cross was converted by Kai Havertz with just two minutes of normal time to play.
While the Blues held on following a slice of good luck late on thanks to VAR, the turnaround can certainly be cited to the 25-year-old’s introduction.
His impact was enough for Crooks to include him in the team of the week, stating he was the reason behind Chelsea’s comeback win.
Chilwell Chelsea’s gamechanger
He said: “For a player who didn’t even start the match, Chilwell seemed to end it very well. The England left-back’s trusted left foot played a major part in Chelsea’s controversial victory over the Hammers.
“The substitute’s equaliser followed by his assist for Kai Havertz’s winner was a game changer against a West Ham side who have every right to be disgruntled about their defeat.”
Chilwell has endured a tough start to the season, not starting a game since Marc Cucurella’s signing from Brighton.
While it has been claimed the Spaniard is not a direct competition at wing back for Chilwell, he has currently featured in the role and already topped his assist total from last season.
However, with the fixtures building up in the coming weeks in the rush before the World Cup, Thomas Tuchel will need to turn to him on more occasions in order to maintain health throughout the squad.
With how impressive the England international was at the weekend, those opportunities may arise sooner than expected.
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