Alonso sweetly volleyed past his compatriot David De Gea on the same day and at the same end he netted in 2019, but just as then it finished 1-1 despite Chelsea deserving more.

‘We are a bit disappointed,’ said Alonso.

‘We were the better team during the whole game. We had so many chances, we conceded little, so it’s a pity to only get one point.

‘It can happen. The quality was there, the chances were there, so it’s just about being a little bit more lucky and a little bit more clinical in front of goal. Our strikers have been doing a great job. We can only ask for 110 per cent from ourselves and try to do better next time and score more.’

Although the draw brought an end to our eight-game winning run away from home, it cemented our place as the second-best team in the Premier League on the road. The confidence and purpose we played with underlined how comfortable we have been on our travels this season.

‘It’s a good stat, but we are in third position so it means we need to improve at home,’ noted Alonso.

‘We want to be up there fighting for the title. We will have to be there next year, keep this form away and do better at home.

‘We are still trying to compete 100 per cent this season, it’s important to be fighting every week, be ready for the FA Cup final and finish in third position.’