Chelsea emphatically beat AC Milan 3-0 in a great team performance as goals from Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James sealed what was in the end a comfortable win.
It turned out to be a great game to attend as Chelsea gained a valuable win in their quest to qualify for the knockout stages after a poor start to the group stage.
Graham Potter changed his starting formation from the Crystal Palace game as he opted for a back three consisting of Wesley Fofana, Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly. Reece James and Ben Chilwell were the wing backs. Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek started in central Midfield. The front three were Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Milan had begun the game relatively well but Chelsea took the lead from a corner as Wesley Fofana struck a loose ball into the goal after an initial header from Thiago Silva was not dealt with effectively by Milan goalkeeper Tatarusanu. Fofana then went down injured and had to be replaced by Trevoh Chalobah. Hopefully the injury is not serious but the prognosis doesn't seem to be great from pictures as he left the stadium on crutches.
Krunic had a guilt edged chance just before half time after a Rafael Leao run into the box but his shot went over the bar under pressure from Chilwell. Chelsea and especially Reece James dealt with the threat of Leao well as he was kept relatively quiet.
James had an excellent game and contributed in the attacking third also with a goal and assist for Aubamayemg with a great cross. His goal was a fine finish in the top of the goal from the near post after being played in by Raheem Sterling.
Reece James’ stats vs. Milan -
100 touches (most)
51/61 passes completed (84 % accuracy)
7 ground duels won
4 long balls completed
2 key passes
2 crosses completed
2/2 dribbles completed
1 assist
1 goal
Heat map via SofaScore
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was combative in midfield as he won the most duels (10). He also won 4 fouls and completed 40/47 passes (85% accuracy). He worked well with Mateo Kovacic as they provided protection infront of the defence and also broke forward when possible. There was good balance to both their performances.
Aubameyang didn't have his best game but popped up with an important goal as he got on the end of the cross from James to score from close range. This was his second goal in as many games after his strike at Crystal Palace at the weekend. He completed 13/17 passes (76 % accuracy) and also created 1 chance.
Chelsea only had slightly more possession than Milan with 51 %. They had more shots (10 v 4) and more shots on target (6 v 1). Chelsea scored 3 goals from 1.4 Expected goals (stat via @xGPhilosophy on Twitter). They were more clinical in this game than previously and this proved to be key in the end.
Milan were relatively poor and despite having some moments, overall their performance was disappointing. They were missing some key players including goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Theo Hernanadez ,David Calabria and Simon Kjaer amongst others.
Graham Potter was pleased with the result and performance.
"We started off a little nervous for the first five minutes, which is probably just a result of us wanting to do so well so much, but then you saw the appetite of the players. We got control of it and offered a threat, pushing before the goal, and it’s always important to get the first goal obviously.
Overall, I can’t complain with a clean sheet, three goals and great personality from the players, so it was really good."
On the Fofana injury he said -
"We’ll have to scan it tomorrow and see how he is but there’s nothing to report at the moment. That’s the one disappointing thing about the evening so we have our fingers crossed. We’re concerned but I don’t want to speculate on it now.
These things happen. He’s a young guy and a strong guy but we’ll support him."
He also had words of high praise for Reece James -
"We love him and he’s so important for us. His potential is he could be a Chelsea legend and that’s the level he has, but for that to happen he has to be part of a successful team and that’s what we’re working towards."
Chelsea have a game at home to Wolves on Saturday before the return leg in Milan at the San Siro next week.
A video I made from the game -
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