How previously unwanted Chelsea striker has impressed the Premier League’s greatest ever

Pundit Alan Shearer reckoned that it was the arrival of a natural number 9 in Marc Guiu which really changed things in attack.

“Not only did [Maresca] bring Gittens and Caicedo on to bring a bit of solidity, he brought Guiu on. You can see the difference now. Pedro is now predominantly playing in the 10, Guiu’s the centre forward, he’s running in behind, and all of a sudden, it changes,” Shearer said in his role as a pundit on Match of the Day.

We’ve heard ever since he signed that Joao Pedro worked better playing off a striker as a number 10, and this was perfect proof of that.

Shearer on Blues’ increased tempo

Shearer also noted the increased attacking tempo generated by the way we were able to threaten Forest after the changes:

“They’re now playing on the front foot, they’re now getting chances in the final third, Guiu’s coming short, but he’s also asking questions in behind. It’s such a clever run, he doesn’t get it first time, but you can see again, look where he ends up, again making it difficult for the Forest defence.

“They’re having to think again. Chelsea I think were without doubt much, much better for those changes at half-time.”

Now all we need is Liam Delap back to play ahead of Guiu.