Chelsea 2-0 Dortmund: 5 positives from huge UCL win

Chelsea back three

Potter switching to a back three also played a role in Chelsea’s performance and win. The extra centerback gave the defenders some cover, and some reassurance to the central midfielders in and out of possession. This was also the case against Leeds United when the three-centerback formation was used. Potter had been trying to play a four-man defense for long, despite it not yielding good performances nor results. He finally resorted to a back three and the performances have picked up, not to mention the results. Chelsea created seven big chances in their last two games, while winning both games. In a way, this may also vindicate Thomas Tuchel by showing that the squad is better suited to a back-three. Tuchel came in and immediately went to a back three despite Frank Lampard, his predecessor, playing a back four for the first 19 league games.

Tuchel’s change immediately made Chelsea more structured defensively, as well as making buildup easier thanks to Thiago Silva, Jorginho and Antonio Rudiger. CFC supporters have clamored for a back four for a long time, and many of them have kept silent despite Potter using a back four and the Blues’ being underwhelming. Potter should be given some credit for sticking with the back three after Leeds, though that’d be giving him credit for not being senselessly stubborn.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left wingback, England

Chilwell was great. He provided width for the team on the left flank. His crosses were generally very good, completing 2/7. He created two chances, including one clear cut chance and he won 4/7 ground duels. He made two key blocks and was very hardworking throughout his time on the pitch, not giving the Dortmund players breathing room.