5 things Graham Potter got right as Chelsea cruise to Champions League win over AC Milan

On Oct 11, 2022

Chelsea took a big step to knockout-stage qualification with a 2-0 win against AC Milan in the Champions League.

The Blues registered their second victory in Group E, the first also coming against Milan last week, to put themselves in the driving seat with two games to go. They were given a massive helping hand by former defender Fikayo Tomori, who gave away a penalty for a foul on Mason Mount which also saw him controversially sent off.

Jorginho converted from the spot before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doubled the lead in the first half with a cool finish into the bottom corner. While it ended up being a routine win, Graham Potter got it spot on – and Daily Star Sport is looking at five of those things he did right.

Ignoring Mount pleas

Chelsea were inspired by Mason Mount in the first half
(Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Large sections of the Blues fanbase have been calling for Mount to be dropped after an underwhelming start to the season for the England international.

But Potter has stuck by his fellow countryman, a decision which was rewarded with two assists against Wolves at the weekend and an even better first-half performance at the San Siro before he was replaced by Conor Gallagher at the break.

It’s clear that Mount is the most creative player Potter has at his disposal and he should continue to ignore the pleas from some fans to replace him in the side.

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Resting key players at the weekend

Graham Potter got it spot on against AC Milan
(Image: AC Milan via Getty Images)

While this was something Potter did against Wolves on Saturday (October 8), he reaped the rewards three days on against Milan.

He recalled Thiago Silva, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Mateo Kovacic, Raheem Sterling and Aubameyang to the starting XI, all of whom were fresh after being rested last time out.

As a result, Chelsea looked slick and assured both in and out of possession and were too much to handle for Stefano Pioli’s side, who in contrast had a gruelling match against Juventus at the weekend.

Changing formation again

Potter showed at Brighton that he’s not afraid to change formation on a game-by-game basis and it’s been no different since he took over at Stamford Bridge.

The 3-4-3 had worked a treat against Milan last week so despite going 4-2-3-1 against Wolves, he reverted back to that again in Italy.

The threat of electric winger Rafael Leao was once more nullified and Potter is slowly showing his astute tactics which propelled him to the heights of Chelsea are translating on the big stage.

Subbing off Mount, Sterling and James

Reece James hobbling off was the only low point of the evening
(Image: Getty Images)

As is the case with all top sides across Europe, Chelsea face a ridiculously packed schedule for the next few weeks before the World Cup.

He rightly gave Mount, who had been booked in the opening 45, a well-earned rest by hooking him off. Sterling was also brought off early ahead of the trip to Aston Villa on Sunday (October 16).

The only low point off the night was Reece James hobbling off with a possible knee injury. But Potter even made the right decision there to sub him as a precaution, despite the defender trying to continue.

Not resting on his laurels

In his first game in charge of Chelsea against Red Bull Salzburg last month, Potter was punished for resting on his laurels with a 1-0 lead and ultimately had to settle for a draw.

That naivety was nowhere to be seen this time. It would have been easy for the Blues to start welcoming pressure in the second half, which could have been a slippery slope in a packed out San Siro.

But Potter’s side took control of the game, as they should, and went to the top of Group E as Salzburg were held on their travels by Dinamo Zagreb.