A look at events at Chelsea FC over the month of September.
On-Pitch
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| Alvaro Morata celebrates against Leicester City |
The month started with an International break but Chelsea returned to action away at Leicester City.
Alvaro Morata continued his good start to his Chelsea career with the opening goal and Kante doubled the lead with a fine goal against his former club. A penalty for Leicester made things a bit more nervous than they needed to be but Chelsea held on. Eden Hazard came on as a second half substitute for his first action of the season and Davide Zappacosta came on for his debut.
Chelsea's Champions League campaign began with the visit of Qarabag. The Azerbaijani champions were thoroughly outclassed. Zappacosta scored on his full debut from a mis-hit cross. Pedro, Cesar Azpilicueta, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Michy Batshuayi all scored before an own-goal wrapped up the scoring in a 6-0 win.
The visit of Arsenal was a game of few chances ending in a 0-0 draw. Unfortunately for Chelsea, a rash challenge saw David Luiz receive a red card and three match suspension. He can have no complaints.
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| Hat-trick man Michy Batshuayi |
The League Cup saw the visit of Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge. Much like Qarabag a week earlier, Forest were overwhelmed by the quality of Chelsea's play. Chelsea scorers were Kenedy, Charly Musonda and a hat-trick for Batshuayi. The only disappointment was not keeping the clean sheet right at the end.
Next up was an away visit to Stoke City, always considered a tough trip for the big sides. It took just 2 minutes for Chelsea to settle when Morata put Chelsea ahead. The final score was perhaps a harsh reflection on Stoke who played well but Morata would get a hat-trick (the second Chelsea player to do so in 4 days) whilst Pedro added the other in a 0-4 win.
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| Batshuayi's last gasp winner vs Atletico Madrid |
The games come thick and fast as next up was away at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The toughest game in the group on paper, Chelsea put in a superb performance. They trailed at the break due to a poorly conceded penalty by David Luiz but second half goals from former Real Madrid player Morata and a last second goal from Batshuayi gave Chelsea an important win. Atletico had never lost to English opponents on home soil and were yet to concede at their new home the Wanda Metropolitano. Former Chelsea players Felipe Luis and Fernando Torres were in their matchday squad.
The month would end on a down note however. Manchester City came to Stamford Bridge and former Chelsea player Kevin De Bruyne scored the only goal in a 0-1 defeat.
Chelsea finished the month 4th in the Premier League but top of their Champions League group and in the 4th round of the League Cup.
Off-Pitch
The big story was the conclusion of the Diego Costa debacle. It was finally agreed he would be returning to Atletico Madrid in January for an undisclosed fee.
In three seasons at Chelsea, Costa scored 59 goals in 120 appearances and was a key figure in two Premier League winning sides as well as winning the League Cup in 2015.
FIFA announced they would be launching an investigation into the signing of young players, though Chelsea's breach is not thought to be serious.
The League Cup draw saw Chelsea drawn against Everton, to be played at Stamford Bridge on 25th October.
Youth
Chelsea Under-18's have started their season in fine form and have won their first six games in the U18 Premier League to sit a comfortable 5 points clear in the table. September saw wins against Arsenal, Swansea City and Fulham. The one blemish being a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers in the inaugural League Cup.
The Under-19's have been mirroring the first team in the UEFA Youth League and have had impressive wins over Qarabag and Atletico Madrid.
It's been tougher going for the Under-23's. September saw draws with Sunderland and Manchester United but defeat to Leicester City. They currently sit 7th in Premier League 2.
Ladies
The Ladies side have returned to action in the WSL with a pair of impressive 6-0 wins against Bristol City and Sunderland. They may be ones to watch this season.
October Preview
A seemingly kinder month on paper for Chelsea in the Premier League. Followinf an international break, Chelsea are away to bottom of the table Crystal Palace yet to get a point or score a goal in the League this year. This is followed by a home game against Watford and another away game to Bournemouth.
The Champions League should prove tougher with a double header against Italian side AS Roma.
There will also be the visit of Everton in the League Cup to contend with.
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