Tuchel may have to reconsider Chelsea’s title position after almost a week

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Thomas Tuchel insisted that Super Cup winning efforts in the middle of the week could not be used as an excuse for anything other than a quick start to the season. His players responded with an absolutely dominant performance against the shocking and shocking Palace at the end.

So Pallas had an opportunity to cause an early turmoil – or at least make life difficult for their opponents.

Instead, Tuchel’s side released a statement of intent in their attempt to oust Manchester City as champions.

Three points were in doubt from the moment Marcos Alonso’s 27th-minute free kick hit the top corner to give Chelsea the lead they deserved early on.

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Christian Pulisic doubled his lead five minutes before the end of the first half after Mason Mount’s cross.

For both Alonso and Pulisic, this was an opportunity to express Tuchel’s point of view.

In Alonso’s case, his energy and creativity is a confirmation of what he could offer as an option on the left, although he was presented as a big weight in the deal to sign Lukaku from Inter Milan.

But Pulisic’s performance was perhaps the most important, with the winger arguably having forced himself ahead of Timo Werner in the fight for a spot to the left of Tuchel’s attacking favourite.

Havertz may be ahead of both – but Pulisic’s goal and a dangerous run in the penalty area should have improved his chances of retaining his place against Arsenal next week as Lukaku is expected to lead the attack for the first time.

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Chelsea are spoiled for choice in wide areas, with Mount, Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi options to play on either side of their new striker.

It was Werner who started in the middle on this occasion, but it was another match in which the German became frustrated with his end product.

Even Pulisic’s goal was an example of Werner’s lack of superiority – Vicente Guaita beat the German in front of Mount’s cross.

Pulisic – arrived late – scored across the bar. But had Lukaku been on the field, the suspicion is that he would have finished off the initial opportunity.

Even the Belgium international couldn’t have fired a shot more impressively than Trevoh Chalobah’s attempt in the 58th minute to make it 3-0.

It was a moment that gave the loudest roar inside Stamford Bridge – the player himself seemed to be overwhelmed with emotion as he got to his knees with his hands high.

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It was a magical moment in his debut in the Premier League.

Who knows how many matches he will get in the blue jersey, with the loan transfer expected before the transfer window closes. But for proof – and his impressive performance against Villarreal in the Super Cup – he has a bright future ahead.

The future also looks bright for Chelsea.

This was the perfect end to an almost full week.

The first silver, Lukaku’s signature and finally three points to start the campaign.

There will be a lot of tougher tests for Tuchel, but he can’t ask for more from opening day.

Chelsea’s intent has been reported – even if their manager declines suggestions they should be considered title favorites this season.

Based on this evidence, he may have to think again.

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