With a top four finish not entirely out of the question just yet, Chelsea seized three potentially vital points with a 2-1 win over Burnley away at Turf Moor on Thursday evening.
Despite Antonio Conte opting to start with a brawny front two of Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata, the tandem target men once again drew dual blanks as Victor Moses and the ever-dependable Owen Goal scored the decisive goals for the Blues.
Morata was hauled off after 70-odd minutes, and the Spanish forward looked ever so slightly miffed as he made his way back to the bench, chucking his shinpads to the ground and gesticulating hither and thither – a reaction that was described as “furious” by at least one national newspaper.
Judge for yourself…
WATCH: Alvaro Morata was not happy about being substituted during Chelsea’s win at Burnley, but is his starting spot now in jeopardy? 🤔
We look at the striker’s struggles after another frustrating night: https://t.co/bkDmfKeEGl pic.twitter.com/idZQ5rUWtv
— Sky Sports PL (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2018
While obviously simply frustrated by another fruitless run-out (he has one league goal since December), Morata still felt the need to come out and explain/apologise for his most minor of hissy fits after the match…
Three important points for us. The best way to get ready for Sunday’s game was winning today. I want to apologize for my reaction when I was sent to the bench, when I fail I get really angry with myself. pic.twitter.com/Vxg4eC7X3Q
— Álvaro Morata (@AlvaroMorata) April 19, 2018
Poor old Alvaro isn’t really having a good time of it at the moment, with just one league goal to his name since December and his confidence running at an all-time low.
His ongoing malaise became acutely apparent shortly into the second half when, after doing well to create a clear one-on-one opportunity for himself, the striker failed to even hit the target.
Hardly a yawning sitter, but distinct shades of Fernando Torres during his Chelsea days.
All graft and gumption, but no razor’s edge.