Matchwinner Batshuayi proving Conte wrong while Chelsea struggle

 

As Borussia Dortmund’s Europa League tie with Atalanta was winding down, the spoils seemed destined to be shared. The result would certainly have given the Serie A side the upper hand in the second leg, so the hosts needed a hero. Step forward Batman! 

 

Having ensured that Peter Stoger’s side would at least avoid defeat with a 65th minute equaliser earlier in the game, Michy Batshuayi was on hand to score his fifth goal in just three appearances for the German outfit. It’s little wonder that BVB have already made their intentions to make the Belgian’s move permanent clear. 

 

As things stand there is no agreement in place, and while Antonio Conte’s future at Chelsea remains unclear, so too does that of the forward he has consistently overlooked. While some might say the 24-year-old didn’t do enough to convince the Italian he was worth persisting with, a striker always needs time and confidence to find their feet. 

 

While it’s true the former Marseille hitman had Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata ahead of him during his time in England, there were numerous occasions, be it through suspension, injury or a lack of form, that Batshuayi could have been called upon and wasn’t. It was abundantly clear he didn’t have the faith of his manager, but now very much the leading man on loan at Dortmund, it’s they who are reaping the rewards. 

 

 

The Belgium international has made a habit of scoring important goals after all, with the winner at Atletico that essentially booked Chelsea’s place in the knockout phase of the Champions League. Moreover, his goals in the previous two rounds of the FA Cup have ensured the Blues still have another piece of silverware to play for as they prepare to face Hull this weekend. 

 

Then there was the decisive brace on his Bundesliga debut against Cologne, and all in all, across 1266 minutes of action in all competitions, he’s averaging a goal every 84 minutes. His tally is now at 15 for the season, which is some going for a player that has started just 13 times. 

 

As Chelsea struggle in vein with Morata through a lack of form and fitness, their former Plan B is relishing the chance to shine bright in Dortmund.

Matchwinner Batshuayi proving Conte wrong while Chelsea struggle