At times against Everton, Chelsea’s trio of centre-back stalwarts rolled back the years, showing all the value of their experience and defensive nous.

Thiago Silva, 37, typified it with one of many interceptions in particular. The Brazilian kept his composure and held his ground, like the classy defender he is, when facing a two-against-one Everton breakaway until the time was just right to commit and cut out Demarai Gray’s pass to the unmarked Anthony Gordon.

Summer signing Kalidou Koulibaly caught the eye with some of his reading of the game, nullifying Everton on the few occasions when they thought they had escaped him.

The 31-year-old was adventurous too, getting forward and playing the pass before Ben Chilwell was fouled for the penalty that Jorginho converted to clinch all three points.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, played his part as well with two alert interceptions to whip the ball off Dele Alli’s toes and bail out his beaten teammates.

But beyond those standout moments, there was also the sight of Silva being outpaced by Gray for one second-half chance, following a breakdown in communication with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

And Koulibaly, new to the demands of English football, finally succumbing to the effects of cramp after 75 minutes.

And Azpilicueta having to strain every sinew to prevent Gordon racing away from him down the left. And of Everton creating sufficient scoring chances without having a recognised striker available.

Danger was ultimately averted for Chelsea at Goodison Park, a place where they have found plenty waiting for them in recent years.

But they were the sort of situations that sprung to mind as manager Thomas Tuchel discussed his defensive options for the season ahead and what else might be required to ensure that Chelsea have every angle covered.

He said: ‘It is a lot of experience (with Silva, Azpilicueta and Koulibaly) and they have their quality and know what they are doing.

‘We need to make sure we have a new generation to take over in the next years but the guys are strong, that is why they have our trust. Yes, there needs to be a balance.

‘The game, in general, is very physical and demands a lot. Azpi is the legend that he is, Thiago is still very important to us. When we had the chance to sign Kalidou we did it because we believe he has some years ahead of him.

‘But, in general, it is the fact that — like the goalkeeper and the two holding midfielders — they are in their thirties and that is just what it is.’

With the departed Antonio Rudiger, Chelsea’s fastest player in the last two seasons, Tuchel said: ‘Pace and speed is an issue. In all signings, this is the demand of the game that you can play one on ones, that you can defend space if needed with high-speed runs.’

In his late high-energy debut cameo, just 24 hours after signing from Brighton, versatile £62million addition Marc Cucurella, 24, displayed some of the qualities Tuchel remains on the hunt for elsewhere.

The German’s comments, plus the glint in his eye as he said them, looks ominous for some in the remaining weeks of the transfer window — on top of the business Chelsea have already done.

Leicester fans, for example, may be nervous with Chelsea thought to be willing to go to a world-record £85m to sign 21-year-old defender Wesley Fofana. Tuchel’s inclusion of his midfield in the discussion might be welcomed by willing sellers Barcelona but, less so, by fellow Frenkie de Jong admirers Manchester United.

Chelsea have money to spend —estimates of at least £250m in total — with new owners, led by Todd Boehly, prepared to part with it and a manager clear on what he wants and needs.