Graham Potter took cost of Chelsea for the primary time as they welcomed RB Salzburg to Stamford Bridge for his or her Champions League matchday two conflict on Wednesday night time (September 14).
The previous Brighton & Hove Albion boss, nonetheless, didn’t mark the event with a victory, with the guests holding Chelsea to a 1-1 attract west London. Raheem Sterling discovered the again of the online for the Blues whereas Noah Okafor scored for the Austrian outfit.
The Pensioners, who fell to a 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb of their earlier Champions League outing, discover themselves in fourth place within the Group E standings. Milan, who beat Zagreb 3-1 on Wednesday, are the present group toppers with 4 factors.
Chelsea loved a vibrant begin to the sport in west London, creating their first actual opening after 11 minutes of play. Kai Havertz obtained on the tip of an inviting Marc Cucurella free kick, however his effort took a deflection earlier than it might bother Salzburg keeper Philipp Kohn.
Their subsequent actual alternative didn’t arrive till the fortieth minute. This time, Mason Mount discovered himself in a promising state of affairs on the fringe of the field. He went for purpose with a curling effort, however noticed it drift simply extensive of the mark. A minute later, Benjamin Sesko went for Chelsea’s purpose, however Kepa Arrizabalaga was available to disclaim the Salzburg ahead.
Three minutes into the second half, Sterling utilized a beautiful end to Mount’s deflected supply, giving the hosts the lead. Aubameyang and Havertz had a few half-decent possibilities so as to add to Potter’s facet’s lead, however their ending allow them to down.
Salzburg obtained themselves a purpose out of the blue within the seventy fifth minute. Chukwubuike Adamu discovered Okafor in house with a move contained in the field, and the latter made no mistake slotting it dwelling.
Substitute Hakim Ziyech got here near restoring Chelsea’s lead within the 83rd minute, however Kohn refused to be crushed by the Moroccan’s close-range flick. Fellow substitute Armando Broja dispatched a thunderous right-footed volley in damage time, but it surely narrowly flew over the crossbar. The final probability of the match fell to Ziyech. As soon as once more, Kohn expertly learn the state of affairs and made himself large to disclaim the ahead.
Barring a pair, a lot of the Blues’ stars didn’t dwell as much as their billing in Potter’s first match in cost. Listed here are two gamers who carried out and three who upset within the Blues’ 1-1 stalemate with Salzburg on Wednesday:
Underperformed: Mateo Kovacic
Croatia worldwide Mateo Kovacic had an evening to neglect in opposition to Salzburg. He did make some good tackles (3 of three accomplished), however that was just about the spotlight of his match. Kovacic didn’t create possibilities, misplaced the ball reasonably incessantly, and was weak in one-on-one duels as nicely.
On Wednesday night time, Kovacic misplaced six of 11 duels, ceded possession 16 occasions, dedicated a foul, and had just one shot, which flew off track.
Carried out: Marc Cucurella
Taking part in as soon as once more underneath former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Graham Potter, Marc Cucurella put in a commendable shift. He primarily performed on the left facet of the Blues’ again three however didn’t hesitate to push additional up the pitch when wanted. Cucurella was a rock on the again, created openings for gamers in entrance, and ran tirelessly till the final blast of the whistle.
Towards Salzburg, the Spaniard made two key passes, precisely delivered two lengthy balls, and accomplished a dribble. He additionally made a few interceptions, received 9 of 11 floor duels, and tried a whopping six tackles, profitable 4.
Underperformed: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made his dwelling debut for Chelsea in opposition to Salzburg on Wednesday night time. The Gabonese ace tried his greatest to mark the event with a noteworthy efficiency, but it surely finally didn’t prove that manner. Aubameyang was usually gradual to react, hardly ever obtained concerned within the build-up play, and was simply handled by opposition defenders.
Aubameyang: “I’m going to wish extra time, I’m not 100% positive, it’s not simple to play with a masks and an damage, let’s hope I get better 100% as quickly as potential” (@GuillerRai) #CFC https://t.co/jR9dimCGKN
At Stamford Bridge, Aubameyang lodged zero photographs on track on Wednesday night time. He additionally made solely 9 correct passes (64.3% accuracy), misplaced a cross, and ceded possession eight occasions.
He was credited with the help for Sterling’s purpose, but it surely was hardly intentional. It was Mount’s supply (took a deflection off Aubameyang) that led to the Englishman’s purpose.
Carried out: Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling marked the inauguration of the Graham Potter period with a wonderful show. The previous Manchester Metropolis man operated within the gap, for probably the most half, expertly bringing his teammates into play.
Solely two English gamers have scored 25+ targets within the European Cup / Champions League:▪️ Wayne Rooney (30)▪️ Raheem Sterling 🆕Raheem will get his first in Chelsea blue. 🔵 https://t.co/qQEvvSwzM5
Sterling’s most interesting second of the match got here within the forty eighth minute when he curled the ball previous Kohn to place his facet within the lead. Along with scoring a positive purpose, Sterling made a key move, delivered an correct lengthy ball, drew a foul, and tried two tackles.
Underperformed: Kai Havertz
Chelsea ace Kai Havertz was significantly beneath his greatest on Wednesday night time. He couldn’t create openings for his teammates, was usually outmuscled, and gave the ball away cheaply at occasions. The German lacked the boldness to take his opponents on, one thing Potter may need to deal with sooner reasonably than later.
On Wednesday, Havertz neither made a key move nor lodged a shot on track. He additionally misplaced seven of eight duels, ceded possession 16 occasions, and dedicated a foul earlier than being taken off for Ruben Loftus-Cheek within the 66th minute.
Coming quickly!
