Pekerman opted against starting with the 3-4-3 but did deploy Dele as a surprise striker alongside Kane. It did not go well. The visitors showed why they’ve been backed for a big season as Costa’s set-piece deliveries set up the first three for Bonucci, Ronaldo and Memphis. The latter two each grabbed a second as the hosts began to completely unravel, and avoiding a league-record margin of defeat is the only positive that they will be able to take from this mess.

By Deirdre O’Lantern