Romelu Lukaku has been lured back to Chelsea to sharpen up Thomas Tuchel’s blunt attack

Six minutes into the UEFA Super Cup, Marcos Alonso got in behind Villarreal’s defence and fired a ‘tap me in’ ball across the six-yard line in the Spaniard’s box.

Kai Havertz was on his heels and Hakim Ziyech, this time, had not started his run into the danger area quickly enough.

Minutes later Havertz flashed another ball into Villarreal’s area which Timo Werner missed before N’Golo Kante’s eventual shot saved.

Thomas Tuchel was on his feet applauding Chelsea’s purposeful start.

In Chelsea matches to come those sort of opportunities may well end with head coach Tuchel having a couple of goals to celebrate instead.

They were sort of openings a ‘real No 9,’ as Tuchel called him, would anticipate and that the incoming Romelu Lukaku will be bought to finish off. His track record more than suggests he will.

Chelsea’s lack of ruthlessness, cutting edge and a focal point, particularly in a first half they dominated but also during later periods they dominated, was on display again in Belfast.

Ziyech scored once from one of many inviting deliveries Chelsea whipped into the Villarreal box but there should have been more for Tuchel’s side. 

Chelsea’s lack of cutting edge in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup was on full display in Belfast

Thomas Tuchel’s men created plenty of first-half chances but they weren’t finished off

If he was watching somewhere, Lukaku’s determination to get started would only have increased on sight of the sort of service he might receive.

Last season, despite it ending with a Champions League triumph that earned Chelsea this meeting with Villarreal, also explained why finding a player makes it their business to get into goalscoring positions and take chances was essential for the Stamford Bridge club this summer.

According to the stats, they should have been the third highest scorers and created the fourth highest number of big chances.

Yet, for all that, they finished the season as the eighth highest scorers in the division and with the 14th best shot conversion rate out of 20 teams.

Fear not. The man who should get all of Chelsea’s attacking numbers to match up is on the way.

Lukaku landed in England, at Biggin Hill airport, at around 6pm last night not too long before Chelsea strode into Windsor Park.

It is not hard to see why Chelsea have spent £98m on Lukaku, who will spearhead the attack

Meanwhile, progress was also being made in the other related moves. Edin Dzeko was on the verge of being confirmed as Lukaku’s Inter replacement.

Roma are also hoping to persuade Tammy Abraham to become Dzeko’s successor having agreed a £34m deal with Chelsea.

Abraham is thought to be tempted after discussing Roma with friends familiar with the Italian club but was due to make a final call after his involvement as an unused sub on Wednesday night.

Lukaku has made up his mind over his future. It’s not hard to see why Chelsea have spent big to re-sign him.