Although one fine goal against limited opposition from the Championship is unlikely to make Chelsea think twice about signing a new striker this month, it was still heartening for Mauricio Pochettino to see Armando Broja take his chance during this thrashing of Preston North End.
This is a crucial period for Broja. So difficult to contain when he is fit and firing, this is the 22-year-old’s chance to establish himself in Chelsea’s attack. Broja, who has been searching for consistency since returning from a serious knee injury, knows he has to step up while Nicolas Jackson is away at the Africa Cup of Nations. He has to show that Pochettino can rely on him.