Guus Hiddink’s second coming seemed unlikely to be as straightforward as his first spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, and yesterday’s events confirmed it. While it is true that had Oscar not slipped and skied a penalty or Nemanja Matic not given away a ridiculous one earlier, Chelsea would have won, much of the team’s frailty that undermined Jose Mourinho was still in evidence.

For all the excellence of Willian and the more coherently directed aggression of Diego Costa, the defence not only proved unable to hold a lead but fell behind themselves by conceding twice in the space of little more than quarter of an hour on either side of half-time. Even after Costa’s second goal brought them level again, the striker was lured into his one indiscretion, collecting a yellow card that will rule him out of tomorrow’s trip to Manchester United – where there will be a chance to prove which of the mighty have fallen furthest. For all United’s woes, the Premier League table this morning, showing Chelsea stuck in 15th place, suggests an answer.

Costa’s contribution helped restore relations with the crowd, who were much more supportive than against Sunderland last week, declining either to boo any individuals or even chant Mourinho’s name.

The new-old manager made a big call at half-time, replacing Cesc Fabregas with John Obi Mikel because he felt the midfield was awry. “When we have a midfield with all creative players, it’s beautiful but we have to look for balance.”