The West London outfit put out a positive and assured display to brush away the Midlands club in the Saturday afternoon sunshine. A sense of optimism has sat above Stamford Bridge since Potter’s appointment and his side used that when the match kicked off at 3 o’clock. Prior to his appointment, Chelsea fans often complained of previous manager, Thomas Tuchel’s tactics of being ‘laboured’, ‘slow’ and ‘non-progressive’. This was not the case at the Bridge as the Blues made a flurry of chances and dominated possession early on.
Wolves were finally undone after sustained control and pressure throughout the half with a looping Kai Havertz header on the stroke of half-time following a precise cross from Mason Mount. It was a long time coming in the match and the flow of the game ebbed towards the Englishman’s role in Potter’s system. Enabling him to create in the half space and exploit gaps between the Wanderers’ midfield and defence strengthened Chelsea’s grip on the match.
The 1-0 lead Chelsea headed into the dressing room with was a reflection of the progress this side has made with the former Brighton manager at the helm. “I want a tactically flexible, attacking, possession-based team” said Graham Potter to the official Chelsea website. These words could not be clearer after the Blues boss made seven changes to the starting XI that edged past Crystal Palace 2-1. Highlighting the depth in the squad and the tactical flexibility his system and playing style creates. Having more than double the amount of shots their visitors had too was also good reading for the manager. Possession also being dominated by Chelsea (57%) show that Potter is making a steady imprint on this group of players.
The second half brought more attacking and direct football with it and Chelsea swiftly doubled their lead through Christian Pulisic with a tidy finish over Jose Sa. Mount yet again instrumental with an intricate ball through the Wolves backline for the American to sweep home. Potter has worked his magic on the 23-year-old after a slow start to the season following 29 goal contributions in all competitions the previous campaign. Armando Broja replaced the Englishman and wrapped up a solid display with his first goal for the club with a clinical finish in the closing stages of the game yet again signalling the depth, flexibility and quality within the side.
The level of performance the Blues showed was testament to Potter’s system and the apparent belief the players showed in it. Potter said it is a “credit to the players and that “There’s a good group here”. It now gives the World Champions 3 consecutive wins in all competitions after a successful European exploit against AC Milan at Stamford Bridge and a growing shift in momentum.
Chelsea have a new wizard at the helm who is keen to wave his magic wand.
Is Potter getting a tune out of this Chelsea side? Let us know down below!
Comments