Chelsea hosted Austrian giant league RB Salzburg at Stamford Bridge in their matchday 2 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, will a hope of faith from the Blues as they see Chelsea bounce back to winning ways following their defeats 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb last week.
Although, Chelsea new manager, Graham Potter deployed a strong starting XI with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kai Havertz & Raheem Sterling featuring in attacking side, while Mason Mount, Jorginho & Kovacic started in the middle of the pack.
This would eventually pay off as the blues deservedly opened the scoring in the 48th minute as Raheem Sterling scored a sensational goal after receiving a precise cross from Mason Mount. The visitors however rallied back Noah Ofakor’s fabulous strike in the 75th minute ensured Parity in the game. Chelsea tried to find a winner late on, but Salzburg’s shot stopper made a couple of saves to ensure both sides took home a point. After the draw, Graham Potter’s charges sit rock bottom in group E with 1 point, while RB Salzburg occupy 3rd spot with 2 points.
In that match, Gaffer Graham Potter made a big mistake to start both Skipper Cesar Azplicueta & veteran defender Thiago Silva in the heart of their defense. The pair boosts vast experience, but they’re approaching the twilight of their careers, hence they cannot keep up with the pace of young forwards which was evident today as Thiago Silva & Azpilicueta were easily outpaced & beaten in the build up to Ofakor’s equalising goal. The Brazilian centre back mistimed his sliding tackle which allowed Junior Adamu to cut inside & provide a wonderful cross to Ofakor who’s shot deflected off Azpilicueta to easily beat goalkeeper Kepa.
Opinion: 3 Ways Graham Potter could set up Chelsea’s XI(4-4-2), (3-5-2) or (4-2-1-2-1)
The former Brighton manager should start young gun Chalobah alongside Thiago Silva in his defense in their next Premier league fixture against foes Crystal Palace on 1st October after the international break.