Back on track
It wasn't quite win-or-bust for Chelsea yesterday evening at Stamford Bridge, but another slip-up would've made it very difficult for the Blues to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League. So there was pressure on the players. And pressure on Graham Potter. He needed a statement victory as head coach.
Bold tactical and selection calls were made across the pitch. Chelsea returned to a 3-4-3 shape with Kepa Arrizabalaga continuing in goal. Kalidou Koulibaly returned at left centre-back, Ruben Loftus-Cheek started in midfield, and Mason Mount was moved back into the frontline.
READ MORE Every word Graham Potter said on Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Chelsea's AC Milan win
Chelsea started a little tentatively, perhaps no surprise given what was at stake. Yet Potter's side took control from the moment Wesley Fofana swept home after Milan failed to clear a corner. It was a goal that energised those in blue, that breathed confidence and belief into the players.
Milan threw a late first-half jab when Charles De Ketelaere saw a shot saved by Kepa, and Rade Krunic failed to convert the rebound from close range. But there was no flurry of punches from the visitors. They were kept at arm's length by Chelsea throughout, with Thiago Silva outstanding in the middle of the defence, Koulibaly solid on his recall, and Trevoh Chalobah impressive, having replaced the injured Fofana in the opening period.
And after the break – just as they had done last season in the Champions League against Juventus – Chelsea moved through the gears and took the match away from their Serie A opponents. James was the architect for the second as his low cross was turned in from close range by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The academy graduate then crashed home a third. There was no doubt from then on.
"Against a top opponent, we had to play well, and we had to act well," Potter explained after the win. "A clean sheet and three goals, but we had to suffer as well, which is good to do because you have to do that in a game at the top level. So I'm really pleased with the players – they've worked really hard this week, and it's a good start for us."
The victory puts Chelsea back in control of their own Champions League destiny, although that could quickly change if they are beaten at San Siro next week. However, a marker has been laid down, and the statement Potter required was made. The Blues may be a work in progress under Potter, but they can still dispatch Europe's grandest clubs.
Rolls Reece delivers
It's easy to overlook the fact James won't celebrate his 23rd birthday until December. His game is so polished, his performances so authoritative, that he comes across as a fully-formed star. The reality is the academy graduate is still improving, and that is something Potter pointed out after James' display against Milan.
"Reece is just a fantastic player," the Chelsea head coach said. "And he's a young player, so he's developing all the time. He'll get better and better. I've really enjoyed working with him. He's got a lot to offer. He's fantastic. He could play any game in the world, he's tremendous. My job is to help him reach his potential because his potential is beyond the sky.
"He's so important for us. My job is to help him reach his potential – and his potential is he can be a Chelsea legend alongside anybody. That is the level he has, the potential that he has. For that to happen, he has to be part of a successful team. That's what we're working towards."
It was in the space of five minutes that James made two decisive contributions to ensure Chelsea claimed a huge three points. His cross for Aubameyang was inch-perfect and left the forward with a simple finish. His goal was the result of a thunderous drive from an acute angle. He is one of the true untouchables currently in the squad.
No Chelsea player has recorded a goal and assist in a Champions League match at a younger age than James. That he still hasn't reached his ceiling is a hugely exciting prospect. And thanks to the work of chairman Todd Boehly, the 22-year-old is under contract with Chelsea for another six seasons, a decision that ensures the Blues will enjoy James' very best years.
Leao quandary arises
Given Chelsea tried to sign the Portugal international in the summer – only to be rebuffed in their efforts by Milan – there was naturally intrigue as to whether Leao would deliver on his first visit to Stamford Bridge. And in flashes, he certainly did so.
There were a few surges with the ball in the first half which showcased the 23-year-old's rare blend of speed, strength, and technical prowess. The most notable came late in the opening 45 minutes when he eased through pressure from James and Chalobah, skipped beyond another tackle, and passed to De Ketelaere, who saw his close-range effort pushed away by Kepa in the Chelsea goal.
But in the second period, it was Leao's work without the ball that caught the eye. Under Stefano Pioli, the wide forward isn't tasked with getting back and helping in the defensive game. That allowed James to take control of the right flank in a dominant fashion, especially in the final third.
The Chelsea wing-back, alongside Chalobah, also did well to shackle the threat of Leao when he did get the ball. That he was substituted in the 72nd minute – and wasn't overly happy about the decision – was a testament to the job done by the Blues' duo.
Chelsea haven't abandoned their interest in Leao; they will continue to keep track of him in the weeks ahead. Whether he joins the Boehly revolution is an unknown at this stage, but his lack of defensive work is something of a problem, although one Potter would naturally have to solve if the Portuguese star was to arrive.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea player ratings vs AC Milan as Reece James shows class, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang clincial
Joe Cole gives Chelsea honest verdict on Rafael Leao as Todd Boehly prepares AC Milan talks
Chelsea star Wesley Fofana leaves Stamford Bridge on crutches after injury against AC Milan
Chelsea have cheap N'Golo Kante transfer backup plan as Todd Boehly finally makes contract call
