In November, he suggested that Jamie Vardy was the best English striker of his generation, better even than Wayne Rooney or Harry Kane. He also claimed that League One side Barrow and then a doomed Southampton were the “worst” possible opponents for his Chelsea side, who went on to score five in both games.

Given that the West London side has spent a quarter of a billion on its midfield, it is truly bizarre that they are left with such a weak option in this position.