Samuel Eto'o analysis: Cameroon striker fails to find the mark again for Chelsea

A closer look at the striker's performance against Basle

Samuel Eto'o in action for Chelsea in the Champions League (GETTY IMAGES)

Experienced striker Samuel Eto'o was handed his home debut by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho in the Blues' 2-1 Champions League defeat against Basle.

The 32-year-old was signed on a free transfer from Anzhi Makhachkala in the summer and here, Press Association Sport analyse the impact of the Cameroon international on his Stamford Bridge bow.

GOAL THREAT:

Almost non-existent, a late half-chance to equalise that was hit tamely at Yann Sommer proved to be the best opportunity on a barren night for the striker.

WORK RATE:

Questionable at times as he strives to improve his fitness. Did chase back on occasions and will work better for the team once he is up to speed and incorporated in to the Blues' style.

CROWD REACTION:

Nothing particularly special happened to welcome Eto'o on his home debut. A goal may have changed that but it never looked like arriving. His name was greeted with a loud reaction when read out before kick-off but he did not inspire any more individual love throughout the 90 minutes.

OVERALL:

A home debut to forget both personally and collectively, Eto'o will have better nights in a Chelsea shirt but, after Mourinho's side have lost both games in which he has started, he is yet to make the lone striker role his own with Fernando Torres and Demba Ba still breathing down his neck.

PA