Chelsea’s new manager Graham Potter took the reigns of Chelsea for the first time against RB Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League matchday 2. It was a shaky performance by the men in blue as they failed to secure a victory after 1-1 against Salzburg.
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Raheem Sterling put the side ahead during the 48th minute but Salzburg replied through Noah Okafor in the 75th minute to intensify Chelsea’s squad problems. The club is placed last in Group E with 1 point in two matches and has dented its hopes of progressing to knockouts. Chelsea’s opener against Dinamo Zagreb was a disappointing 1-0 loss which ultimately cost ex-manager Thomas Tuchel his job.
Raheem Sterling, Chelsea’s premium signing this summer opened the scoring. He collected Mason Mount’s low cross which was badly defended by Salzburg. The winger had enough time and space to put the ball into the right corner.
Salzburg responded just in time to put Chelsea’s good mood to rest. Thiago Silva dived in to make a tackle allowing Junior Adamu to send a threatening low cross. Okafor smashed to finish as the ball also touched Cesar Azpilicueta’s leg into the goal.
Chelsea improved their performance since their last Champions League outing but will need to do better. Milan sits on the top of the table with 4 points in two matches. Chelsea’s knockout hopes will largely depend on how well it plays against Milan at home and away. Raheem Sterling’s goal once again reminded us that he is effective out wide but Graham Potter can’t be relying too much on wide forwards.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 33, who was signed on the deadline day once again had little to no effect on his home debut all match, and Chelsea suffered to provide him any quality service. For Chelsea’s fortunes to change, Graham Potter must work to strengthen the team’s forward areas.
Reactions from Graham Potter on Chelsea performance
“Frustrated with just the one point. I enjoyed how the players went about their work tonight. I thought we got Raheem into some good 1v1 situations. Our response was good to conceding,” said Graham Potter. “But we needed a second goal and it didn’t come. We’re disappointed with the one point.
“They gave everything. I was very proud of how they acted. It’s not been easy for them either. A change of coach and all that comes with that. They’ve acted professionally, honestly and taken responsibility. Effort was 100 per cent there.
Chelsea’s match on the weekend against Liverpool remains postponed. Graham Potter has 2 weeks to instill confidence and tactics in his players before they travel to Crystal Palace on 1st October.
