Chelsea claimed a much-needed Champions League victory over AC Milan, beating the Italian side 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. A first Chelsea goal for Wesley Fofana opened the scoring, before Aubameyang and James wrapped up the three points for Chelsea and Graham Potter, who got his first taste of Champions League victory in his career.
Player Ratings:
Kepa Arrizabalaga- 7/10
A strong performance by Kepa once again, who has given Potter a decision to make once Mendy is back to full fitness. The Spanish keeper wasn’t tested much in the game, but made a good instinctive save late in the first 45 to keep the Blues ahead going into half-time.
Reece James- 9.5/10
A truly unbelievable performance from James, in what was a crucial game for Chelsea. Kept the dangerous Leão quiet for the majority of the game (excluding one moment of magic from the Portuguese attacker). A perfect cross found Aubameyang which gave Chelsea a crucial second goal. Moments later, the fullback smashed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 3-0, and cap off a near perfect performance from the Englishman.
Wesley Fofana- 8/10
A first goal for Fofana at Chelsea and it was an important one. The young centre back did well to react to a loose ball in the box and place his shot in the bottom corner. Went off injured after 36 minutes, hopefully just a precaution…
Thiago Silva- 8/10
Another performance, another masterclass by Thiago Silva. He made a brilliant sliding tackle early in the first half to cover a mistake by Fofana, and from there, he dominated defensively. His domination wasn’t limited to defence, however, in the build-up to Chelsea’s opening goal, the Brazilian won three headers from consecutive set pieces, leading to Fofana’s well placed finish.
Kalidou Koulibaly- 6/10
The shakiest of Chelsea’s defence today, Koulibaly made an early unnecessary foul which perhaps highlighted his nerves. He grew into the game, however, making a crucial interception from a Leão cross to help maintain Chelsea’s clean sheet.
Ben Chilwell- 7/10
A positive performance from Chilwell, who will be looking to impress Potter before the return of Cucurella. The English fullback played a big part in Chelsea’s opener, playing two back to back crosses perfectly onto the head of Thiago Silva. A vital block denied Krunić a goal late in the first half which would have seen Milan level the scores.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 9/10
Perhaps one of the best performances from a Chelsea midfielder in a long time. Loftus-Cheek played his part both in defence and attack. He was a pain in Milan’s back, constantly breaking up play and pushing through the lines to send Chelsea forward. For the first time in a long time, Chelsea’s midfield looked solid, and Loftus-Cheek was a big reason for that.
Mateo Kovačić- 6/10
The Croatian still looks slightly off the pace, but it was an improvement on a shakier performance at the weekend. Some good tackles and passing, but countered out a needless yellow card – meaning his substitution early in the second half was necessary. Looks like he is slowly getting back into form after his injury at the start of the season.
Mason Mount- 7/10
A great bounce back by Mount after a difficult performance at the weekend. The Englishman looked lively in midfield, winning the ball, and playing some fantastic passes. A good save denied him an early goal, and he should have had an assist when a perfect pass sent Sterling running at goal.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang- 7/10
Chelsea’s new number nine did exactly what he was brought to the side to do today – score. A quiet performance, struggling to get involved. When the chance came his way, however, a good instinctive finish out Chelsea two up and secured a vital win for the Blues.
Raheem Sterling- 6/10
Not Sterling’s best game for the club. A big miss late in the first half after Mount sent him through on goal. At times, Chelsea’s summer signing takes too long to use the ball. A good assist for Reece James, however, helped secure the game for the Blues.
Subs :
Trevoh Chalobah- 7/10
Big credit to Chalobah today, who has seen himself become a bit part player for a long time at Chelsea. Coming onto the field after 35 minutes played and having to deal with Leão was never going to be an easy task, but the Englishman coped well. If Fofana’s injury is a serious one, Chalobah showed Potter he is ready to take his place.
Connor Gallagher- 6/10
An aggressive if somewhat erratic performance from Gallagher. After his fantastic winner at the weekend, he would have been disappointed not to start tonight. When he came off the bench, however, he looked like a man with a point to prove, sprinting all over the pitch and putting Milan players under constant pressure.
Jorginho- 7/10
A composed cameo from Jorginho, who slowed the game down when he came on and Chelsea were 3-0 up. The Italian kept the ball well and played some nice passes, ensuring Chelsea’s lead was never put under any real pressure.
Armando Broja- N/A
Kai Havertz- N/A
Graham Potter- 9/10
A first Champions League win for Graham Potter, and a first convincing win for his Chelsea side. The Blues looked in great form tonight, taking the game to Milan and were deserving of the convincing win. The decision to play Loftus-Cheek in midfield paid off big time, with the Englishman putting in a stellar performance in the centre of the pitch.
Twitter- @Kieranroy1
