Just a month ago, Chelsea looked disconnected, unmotivated, and directionless, losing to the 23-time Croatan league champions GNK Dinamo Zagreb on the road in the opening match of the Champions League. Weeks filled with change, and few faces followed, as the Blues began a new chapter in its club’s history.
There was not much to learn from Graham Potter’s first match in the UCL against RB Salzburg, but against the European powerhouse, the Blues looked to have turned the corner at the perfect time. With the return of two CFC fan favorites and the sheer mystique that comes from the club, AC Milan, Wednesday night at the Bridge had all the makings of a statement to the rest of Europe if executed correctly.
In arguably the most crucial game of the season so far for Chelsea, Potter guided his team to a deserving triumph against the mighty AC Milan to jump to second in the group standings. Anything but a win at Stamford Bridge was essentially the end of the Blues’ 2022/23 Champions League campaign. Behind the brilliance of Reece James on the right flank, and the stability in the back brought on by Thiago Silva, and Kalidou Koulibaly, Chelsea looks like it has flipped the script on the season, playing with much more fluidity, and togetherness.
"Following the conclusion of the match, Potter gave his thoughts on his team’s performance: “Delighted with the performance and attitude against top opponents. I thought we had to react well and we did. We had to suffer as well which is good to do. I’m really pleased for the players and that’s a good start for us.”"
Even with less of the ball, Chelsea found ways to adapt, and create danger using counters, playing the ball out wide to James and Ben Chilwell to add width and another dimension to the Blues’ forward play. Milan only challenged the Blues once just before the halftime whistle, as Kepa Arrizabalaga denied any chance at an equalizer. 43 attacks from the Blues compared to just 28 by Milan demonstrates how much more efficient Chelsea had been with the ball at its feet compared to the opposition who never found any consistent rhythm all night.
It may only be three games into the Potter era, but the amount of growth and joy the players are having on the pitch compared to what transpired in late August against Southampton is exponential. Having nearly two whole weeks between games no doubt helped Potter get acclimated with what life was going to be like in west London. The Blues have to travel to Milan next week in another thrilling contest, but the fact that Chelsea was able to capture a win by a three-goal margin gives the Blues the confidence they need to head into the chaotic environment that is San Siro. From a night to remember at Stamford Bridge, here are the lessons from the Blues’ first Champions League win of the season.