Romelu Lukaku arrived with a bang in his second Chelsea on Sunday against Arsenal in a fantastic showing where he bagged his first goal with the Blues. While the Belgian struggled to find minutes in his first stint with the club from 2011-14, this time around, it's going to be a much different story. He is a more complete player and that was extremely evident over the weekend.

Lukaku went to Italy and became an absolute star with Inter Milan after failing to fit in at Manchester United. Under Antonio Conte, he developed into more than just a goal-scorer. Romelu Lukaku was a fantastic playmaker who also improved his hold-up play; specifically with his back to goal.

In the Arsenal clash, that improved area of his game was on full display. Although his goal was an easy finish, it was the build-up of the play which proved just why he's going to be such a phenomenal addition to this Chelsea side. Lukaku received a pass just inside the Blues' half, shielded the ball perfectly then laid it off to Mateo Kovacic who found Reece James on the right flank. He then quickly found Lukaku jetting into the box, leaving Pablo Mari in the dust for a simple tap-in.

In fact, the entire 90 minutes, Romelu Lukaku was an absolute handful for Mari, who was overpowered on countless occasions. Basically, every opportunity in the final third was running through the Belgian because of his ability to hold the ball, protect it, then lay passes off before running into dangerous areas. The Blues simply didn't have this dynamic before with Timo Werner, who isn't physically imposing. But, when they are on the pitch together, it will surely help the German play more to his strengths by using his pace to run in behind defenders onto through balls, which Lukaku is capable of providing.

In every single aspect, Lukaku was brilliant. Just take a look at these numbers. He didn't lose a single duel:

There's so much talent in this Blues squad, especially in the final third. But there was a missing piece to the puzzle and it was Lukaku, who is clinical in front of goal but also extremely unselfish. He is evidently making everyone around him better.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Romelu Lukaku in front of the Chelsea logo, an exit door next to him

Fremont Farkas ·

Photo: Reece James in Chelsea jersey looking serious with medical kit beside him, Stamford Bridge as background

Quinn Allen ·

Daniele De Rossi and Romelu Lukaku in front of the AS Roma logo

Fremont Farkas ·

Romelu Lukaku has had his doubters. But this time around, he is poised to thrive at Stamford Bridge. Lukaku went to Serie A, scored a boatload of goals and supplied assists, and is ready to help Chelsea win more trophies. Don't get me wrong, Arsenal isn't exactly the most solid club defensively, but the way he was running circles around them, threading passes, pushing players off the ball, and creating chances is impossible to not appreciate.

The Blues may have splashed a boatload of cash on Romelu Lukaku but it's going to be well worth it.

Now, it will be interesting to see how Lukaku fares against a Liverpool side who boasts one of the strongest backlines in the Premier League. Regardless of what happens this weekend though, he is going to be a hit at Chelsea.