Four minutes into Chelsea's clash with Leeds United and it looked like Reece James had waited too long to feed Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian stopped his run to ensure he had plenty of space to be found before realising the opportunity was gone and continuing deep into Ilan Meslier's box.
James had other ideas in mind. Mason Mount had supplied his teammate, after some brilliant build-up play on the left that had included Lukaku, and soon turned receiver. The angle was tight as James laid off the ball, but left Mount in position to produce some incredible whip on an outstanding strike past Meslier.
The Cobham duo headed to the corner to celebrate at the end surrounded by Leeds United supporters. Mount managed to break free of his teammate for a moment and cupped his ears to the opposition's fans, a hint at a continued rivalry from his Derby days. It was perhaps a message that all doubters should heed, however.
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A great deal of talk this season has been around Chelsea's superstars who may or may not be leaving the club this summer or who have just arrived. The likes of Lukaku, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen have dominated conversations, while the likes of N'Golo Kante and Jorginho heading towards the final year of their contract. The contributions of Mount and James will serve as reminders to new owners that they should not be forgotten.
Lukaku may be the Blues leading scorer in all competitions but Mount is three clear of him and four clear of Kai Havertz in the Premier League rankings. The England international netted his 11th league goal of the season against the Whites and it's rare they are not a strike of some quality.
Mount has provided ten assists in addition to that, after his clever touch found Christian Pulisic to hit home for Chelsea's second. That saw the Blues talisman propel himself to 21 goals and assists in the Premier League for this season, joining a limited cast that includes Mo Salah, Son Heung-min, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane.
Chelsea have produced uncertain performances in recent weeks but when Mount has been allowed freedom he has been a guarantee. He lit up St Mary's in a comfortable victory but helped to inspire Chelsea chances against Real Madrid and netted in the FA Cup semi-final. The academy product was back on the wing in the match against Leeds but was given the freedom to roam and cajole his teammates into position too.
Leeds supporters called for their side to 'snap him' but he's more difficult to stop than that. It's uncertain who will be at the club at the end of the next transfer window. Mount will provide a good starting point for any first XI Thomas Tuchel can name however.
