Is Romelu Lukaku Chelsea's problem or are Chelsea Lukaku's problem?
Daily MailRomelu Lukaku celebrates scoring against Arsenal back in August It would be an understatement to say that Romelu Lukaku's first season back at Chelsea has not gone to plan. The most obvious stat to look at for a striker is goals, with four coming in Lukaku's first five matches of 2021-22 compared to one in his last five. Although Lukaku played 55 minutes more in the first five matches of the season compared to his last five, his number of touches and touches in the opposition were significantly higher back then too. ROMELU LUKAKU AT THE START OF THE SEASON COMPARED TO NOW Romelu Lukaku 2021-22 First 5 matches Last 5 matches Starts 5 5 Minutes played 450 395 Goals 4 1 Assists 0 0 Expected goals 2.85 2.3 Expected assists 0.85 0.23 Shots 19 14 Chances created 10 8 Touches 164 122 Touches in opposition box 38 23 % of touches in opposition box 23% 19% Aerial duels won 17 7 A look at Chelsea's stats overall in the first five games Lukaku played this season compared to the last five also shines some interesting lights. Despite scoring 10 goals compared to nine, Chelsea's xG in the last five matches is actually higher than at the start of the season.