Long after full-time, once Stamford Bridge had emptied to leave only the cleaners in the stands, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart emerged from the tunnel full of smiles after one of their regular visits to the Chelsea changing room.
The dual sporting directors have reason to hope that their signings are showcasing their worth in time to secure European football – from Noni Madueke to Moises Caicedo to Nicolas Jackson – though they cannot claim credit for one of the catalysts in this upturn in form.
That is Marc Cucurella, the left back now moving into midfield and showing why Pep Guardiola wanted to sign him for Manchester City before Chelsea paid Brighton £55million plus £7m.