Graham Potter’s impressive Chelsea ended their Champions League campaign on a high despite their nightmare start against Dinamo Zagreb – with the manager getting plenty right.
The Blues went 1-0 down after just seven minutes thanks to a close-range header from Bruno Petkovic – but rallied through Raheem Sterling and Denis Zakaria to claim all three points.
With Chelsea finishing three-points clear at the top of Group E thanks to their four wins from six fixtures – Daily Star Sport have taken at four decisions Potter nailed.
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Denis Zakaria’s chance
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Denis Zakaria had a hugely impressive Chelsea debut – with Potter seemingly realising his error by not getting the midfielder in his starting XI earlier.
The Switzerland international slotted in seamlessly and played a key role in Chelsea’s dominance while grabbing a goal of his own to hand the hosts the lead.
Despite having to go off with an injury after 70 minutes, the 25-year-old now looks set to give Potter another sound option in the centre of midfield, while also boosting his own confidence before the World Cup.
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Raheem Sterling faith
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Potter may have been criticised for handing Sterling a starting berth despite Chelsea already securing progression – but his plan paid off.
With fans worried that an injury could see the 27-year-old miss their clash against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday – he actually had a huge boost in confidence.
Having scored a fine goal from Aubameyang’s layoff to level the scoreline after 18 minutes, Sterling ended his eight-game goal drought in another win for Potter.
Tinkering
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As well as starting Sterling, Potter did so in the forward’s favourite position rather than a wing back after changing to a back four.
With Cesar Azpilicueta and Ben Chilwell either side of Trevor Chalobah and Kalidou Koulibaly, Chelsea regrouped from the early disappointment to look solid at the back.
On seeing the formation in action, one Blues fan wrote on Twitter: “We should also play a back 4 against Arsenal.”
Character
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Following their disastrous reaction to going a goal down against Brighton in the Premier League, Potter’s team wouldn’t make the same mistake.
The Blues conceded twice in 14 minutes at the Amex and trailed by three at the break, leading to questions over their bouncebackability.
The former Seagulls boss was proven right that his side had character as they brushed off the early disappointment to take the lead before the break before seeing out the win.
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