Chelsea winning run came to an end after 13 matches in a 0-2 loss to Tottenham but the FA Cup have afforded the opportunity to put that behind them and to also rest some tired legs. Their clash against Peterborough must have restored their confidence after the Spurs dominant display against them. The Blues ran out 4-1 winners with Pedro scoring twice and Michy Batshuayi and Willian completing the scores.
Despite Batshuayi been giving a rare chance to start and getting his name on the score sheet, the Belgian forward struggled in the match and failed to impress Antonio Conte though the Chelsea boss tried to provide some support for the summer signing after the match.
The centre-forward who was, contrary to wide expectations was dropped for Bournemouth match despite Diego Costa absence through suspension proved Conte right for relegating him to the bench. He was sloppy with possession and struggled to link with his striking partners, he looked short of confidence.
His future at the club looks uncertain, especially with the latest reports that Chelsea could send the 23-year-old out on loan and his potential replacement is Conte’s former player. A swap deal with Swansea was reported earlier in the week but another reports had it that West Ham are in the Belgian.
If Batshuayi does leave, Fernando Llorente will head in the opposite direction. Conte and Llorente worked together at Juventus and the Italian boss seems to prefer the 32-year-old despite forking out £33 million on Batshuayi in the summer.
Llorente would offer Conte a different dimension. He is a threat in the air and technically proficient. He formed a formidable partnership with Carlos Tevez and was instrumental in the Old Lady securing a third Serie A title under Conte. He has more experience than Batshuayi and has scored 6 goals for Swansea this season.
Of course, Conte is fully aware of what he is capable of and that could have been the reason for wanting him at Stamford Bridge. Howver, it remains if Swansea will want to part with Llorente having just brought him in this summer.