Chelsea firing early as they await second coming of Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea players celebrate after team-mate Trevoh Chalobah scores their side's third goal of the game. Picture: Tess Derry

Thomas Tuchel played down Chelsea prospects for the coming season after the impressive dismantling of Crystal Palace, insisting they are starting from a position behind the two Manchester clubs and Liverpool in this season’s Premier League title race.

There is a growing belief, however, that with the addition of Romelu Lukaku for a club record £97m fee, the champions of Europe can become champions of England once again.