Chelsea’s Champions League campaign opened with an emphatic and thoroughly deserved win over AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.
New manager Graham Potter knew a victory was essential after their poor start to the group stage saw defeat by Dinamo Zagreb end Thomas Tuchel’s tenure before a draw at Red Bull Salzburg.
And Chelsea delivered in style with England right-back James Starman as they finally overwhelmed Milan.
Wesley Fofana scored his first goal for the club after 24 minutes when Milan failed to clear a corner, although the £70m defender’s night was soon ended by injury.
The Italians almost equalized at half-time when Rade Krunic put a goal at his mercy.
It was a rare moment of concern and the second half belonged to Chelsea, and in particular James, the right-back, showing why he commands such faith at club level and from England manager Gareth Southgate. Is.
James was the provider after 56 minutes when he crossed for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a simple finish, then five minutes later he was the finisher with a powerful strike that sent Milan keeper Cipriani Tatarusano high at his near post. took flight.
Chelsea delivered for Potter.
Graham Potter will be delighted with the style of this crucial win, not only because it gave Chelsea the three points they needed to boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League, but also because it is a sign of any new The manager’s wins and performances were just one type. Want speed in your reign.
Chelsea ran riot against Salzburg and Potter admitted they beat Crystal Palace on Saturday but it was a comprehensive victory from a Milan side who rarely threatened, except when quick and Possessed by the talented Raphael Liu, he created the obvious opportunity. Cronk somehow missed the stroke of half-time.
Otherwise, it was a story of Chelsea dominance, the night clouded only by Fofana’s injury which Potter will be hoping does not prove serious.
After Fofana’s early goal, it was left to James to show why England manager Southgate was willing to ignore Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold’s lobbying to secure a place at right-back in the England team. could
James is close to a full-back, solid in defense and powerful here in attack, which made Aubameyang’s job easier after Chelsea crashed into the second and then himself into the third.
James runs his business quietly but the ability, strength and attitude make him a compelling proposition.
Aubameyang Gets His Touch.
Aubameyang may have been surprised when Tuchel, the manager who worked with him at Borussia Dortmund and was central to his move from Barcelona to Chelsea, was sacked shortly after his return.
Chelsea and Potter have moved to reassure the striker about his situation and are starting to prove why they were so desperate to bring him back from Catalonia, where he has moved to after his exile at Arsenal. were gone
He showed his skills with a goal in the win at Crystal Palace and showed his poacher’s instincts here with a natural finish from James’ cross.
Aubameyang will be a serious weapon for Potter and Chelsea if he regains top form and looks set to enjoy his career at Stamford Bridge.
