Riddled with injuries and suspensions, bereft of confidence and with just the solitary Premier League win in their last six matches, Chelsea were in desperate need of, well, something.
Their place in the top four remained in tact ahead of kick off, mostly in part to the failings of all the other sides in and around them.
What a week! #CHEEVE https://t.co/K93zr7K5q4
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 8, 2020
However, keeping up such form would almost certainly result in an eventual departure from the Champions League spots. While securing a coveted top four place has never been an easier task than this season, such worrying performances and results had their season looking in serious danger of fizzling out.
So with all seemingly going against them at such a crucial stage of the campaign, who would have thought the introduction of an 18-year-old Glaswegian would have such a profound effect Frank Lampard's side's displays?
There is no doubting that Billy Gilmour is a talent in the making. That much is clear. But to come into a side with obvious flaws and deficiencies at such a pivotal stage of the season, and to excel as he has, naturally draws widespread praise.
Two substitutes appearances for the Scot near the start of the season saw Lampard initially draw criticism.
'He's too young' and 'don't throw him in at the deep end', were a couple of the calls from sections of the fanbase, but this time around his hand has been forced. And, in all honesty, he and the Chelsea supporters will be glad it did.
An utterly mesmerising outing against Liverpool in the club's 2-0 FA Cup win was vintage in every aspect. Gilmour ran the show at Stamford Bridge; his ball control, vision, technical ability and courage were exhibited in full force, and not a soul in the European champions' side could touch him.
As magnificent as he was, though, often times this can be detrimental. Setting the bar so high, any drop off in form can be seen as a step down. It shouldn't be - he's a kid after all - but in such a cruel industry it's just as easy to get caught up in the hype as it is to jump on the bandwagon and dish out criticism.
Which is why a return to the starling lineup for the home visit of Everton would be a true indicator of how mature this youngster is. Could he maintain such astronomically high standards for a prolonged period of time, or was his showing in the FA Cup a mere flash in the pan?
Unequivocally, it was the former.
Ballon d'Or winner 2021 - Billy Gilmour.pic.twitter.com/27dhSntEGU
— 90min (@90min_Football) March 4, 2020
Granted, this wasn't quite the controlling performance he put out not one week ago, but his class shone throughout in west London. And, besides, his outing against the Reds is a pedestal few players will reach this season. He was that good.
Operating in a deeper role on Sunday, with Mason Mount further forward and Ross Barkley to his side, he boasted ridiculous levels of composure in possession once more. Rarely is such levels of calmness seen in a player of his age, moreover, one making his first Premier League start.
Whether it's playing the simple pass to a teammate, or making a sudden burst beyond his marker to free up space ahead of him, he does it all with consummate ease.
He controlled the game from his position in the Jorginho slot and - in an attempt to quell the hype - did so just as well.
⭐️ Man of the Match, @ChelseaFC’s Billy Gilmour
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) March 8, 2020
91 touches 賂
74 completed passes 磊
37 passes in opposition half 磊
92.5% passing accuracy
1st PL start, aged 18 years & 271 days pic.twitter.com/dTmXdwec6g
✅ First Premier League start
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 8, 2020
✅ 4-0 victory
✅ Man of the Match display
What a day for Chelsea's 18-year-old midfielder Billy Gilmour pic.twitter.com/Sp6NqWVNWA
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Source : 90min