The hugely experienced defender was 25 minutes into a maiden match that Chelsea had been expected to win when he dawdled on the ball, gifting possession to forward Callum Robinson.

Chelsea had already been behind thanks to Robinson's fourth-minute opener before the forward gratefully accepted Thiago's invitation and raced through to double the lead.

After a dreadful defensive display last season when Chelsea shipped the most goals of any side in the top ten of the division, Thiago became one of a number of defensive signings that were expected to improve their dismal record of 54 goals conceded.