It was surprising to most Chelsea fans that Alvaro Morata stayed at the club this season. The Spaniard was brought in ahead of last season to replace Diego Costa, who had helped the club win the Premier League during the season before. There were heavy expectations on Morata but in the end, he managed just 15 goals from 48 games in all competitions as the Blues finished the season in a frustrating fifth position.
The Blues were reported to have had a number of high-profile strikers on their radar during the summer transfer window but failed to sign any of them. This led to new manager Maurizio Sarri having to stick with what he had and have faith in the current options of Morata and Olivier Giroud.
The Blues have so far exceeded expectations this season. After a mediocre summer transfer window, many pundits and fans predicted that the current side would struggle to compete for a top-four finish this term. As it stands, they occupy first place in the top-flight standings on goal difference after having won all five of their league games played thus far. They are one of two sides with a 100% win record, along with Liverpool.
While Eden Hazard and the Blues midfield, in particular, has shone, Morata has continued to struggle. This may have had no severe impact but if things continue to operate this way, it could impact Sarri’s charges down the line.
Morata has not found the back of the net since Chelsea defeated Arsenal during their opening game of the Premier League season, and Sarri has challenged the striker to re-find his confidence by scoring a couple of goals.
The Italian said, as reported by Goal: “Alvaro has to gain confidence with one, two three goals... I hope for him in the future I can help him. But the confidence can come with goals.
“Maybe two goals in two matches, I don’t know. For the first time in this season he was ready in the box. He was on the ball and was active.”
