For the first time in a long time there is an air of optimism around Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea prepare for the return of domestic action riding on a wave of positivity. Two remarkable results before the international break suggest Mauricio Pochettino's side are finally picking up some momentum, and they are about to get a significant shot in the arm.
As a disruptive early-season injury crisis finally begins to subside, the Blues are set to welcome Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia into the fold - two big-money summer signings who are still yet to make their debuts.
Saturday's game at Newcastle will just come too soon for them, but the manager is well aware that Chelsea are turning a corner after a mightily difficult start to his tenure. "We are going to try to keep the momentum," he told reporters. "It is true we were in a moment that we were getting our way to play and the results were in our side. I am a person that believes that we can keep the momentum even with two weeks without no competition."