For the first time since its $300 million spending spree, Chelsea finally had its six major summer signings on the field together.
But they could not find a way past Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Sevilla kept new-look Chelsea at bay in a 0-0 draw in Group E, with the English team in its first goalless match since Frank Lampard arrived as manager in the off-season in 2019.
Lampard managed to cure his team’s problems at the back as Chelsea put on a solid defensive display at Stamford Bridge, helped by the return to the lineup of centre back Thiago Silva and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, two of the new recruits.
And at one stage in the second half, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, substitute Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell – the other four expensive signings – were all out there for Lampard but Sevilla held firm in a game of few real opportunities.
The Spanish side lost centre back Sergi Gomez to injury in the first half, but restricted Chelsea to half-chances.
The best fell to Kurt Zouma, who was unmarked at a corner but headed straight at the goalkeeper.
The closest Sevilla came to a goal was when Joan Jordán’s volley, straight from a corner by Ivan Rakitic, flew just over the crossbar in the second half.
Chelsea have already conceded three goals twice in five English Premier League games this season.
