Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca went through his full range of brave faces, but he will know just how expensive the damaging defeat at Newcastle United could prove to be.
Maresca has been keen to emphasise what he regards as Chelsea's progress since he succeeded Mauricio Pochettino in the summer.
The reality, especially what passes for reality at Stamford Bridge, means the final judgement will only come once the Premier League season concludes.
The Italian regards Chelsea's advance to an upcoming Europa Conference League final meeting with Real Betis as the clearest signal of an upward trend under his guidance.