Chelsea verdict: Subs Chilwell and Havertz showcase Blues’ strength in depth as Tuchel reaps rewards of transfer window

IF Chelsea had lost to West Ham then the heat on manager Thomas Tuchel really would have become uncomfortable.

With 14 minutes remaining, the Blues were staring down the barrel of a third Premier League defeat in six games.

They have just finished a record-breaking summer transfer window in which they spent nearly £300million on new players.

So there are no excuses for Tuchel not to succeed with this squad, yet in early September eyebrows were already being raised when Michail Antonio fired West Ham ahead.

However, Saturday's fightback was an example of how bolstering a squad in the window can have a major impact.

The Blues lined up with new boys Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling in the team.

Those additions saw a host of star players drop to the bench - including Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell and Jorginho.

All of those substitutes came on and played their part in the closing stages of the match - namely Chilwell and Havertz who scored the goals to win Tuchel's side the game.

It is bizarre that two players who were at the club last season can illustrate the quality of Chelsea's transfer window.

But that is the case.

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Tuchel had a star-studded nine-player bench today and the five subs rule allowed him to further change the tide of the match in the closing stages.

And that's with energy ball N'Golo Kante out of action.

Todd Boehly would have certainly been beginning to ponder whether Tuchel is the right man for the job had they lost to West Ham.

A defeat had the potential to leave them 11 points adrift of Arsenal by the end of the weekend.

But perhaps his new recruits have come just at the right time.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang watched on from the Stamford Bridge stands after completing his move from Barcelona.

He could well be the answer to Chelsea's problems in front of goal, helped by the already vibrant Sterling.

It will already be difficult for them to compete with a rampant Manchester City side in full flow.

But a top four finish, the two domestic cup competitions and European glory should all be realistic targets for Tuchel's side.

He has the backing, the quality, the depth and the track record. Now he needs to make it count.