Despite the largely underwhelming results in their start to the season, it is the underlying statistics that have reassured Chelsea chiefs they are on the right track.
And while they wait for their attacking output to catch up, Mauricio Pochettino can head into games safe in the knowledge that from a massively overhauled squad he has built a defensive unit that has become one of the Premier League’s meanest.
That is one area that has seen clear improvement under Pochettino, thanks to a number of factors including his tactical tweaks, successful recruiting and having defenders who relish their jobs and are prepared to cover for their team-mates.