Potter pleased to win first league game as Chelsea head coach
Chelsea host AC Milan at Stamford Bridge this evening as they attempt to get their Champions League campaign back on track following a terrible start to the competition. The Blues have taken just one point from their opening two fixtures – in a 1-1 draw with RB Salzburg - and sit bottom of Group E. They are three points behind Milan but can reign in the Italian side with a victory tonight.
However, Milan have only been beaten once so far this season and can solidify their place at the top of the group if they were to defeat the Blues in their own back yard. This clash will prove to be a stern test for manager Graham Potter, but he’ll be feeling confident after Chelsea came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at the weekend.
In Chelsea’s favour are the injury woes that afflict Stefano Pioli’s team. The manager faces significant fitness issues within his squad with defenders Davide Calabria and Simon Kjaer joining an injury list that also features the likes of Divock Origi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Pioli conceded that his side might be up against it tonight.
Follow all the action from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea take on AC Milan:
Full time - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan
And there’s the whistle - a first victory in the Champions League for Graham Potter and a first group stage victory for Chelsea.
They move onto four points, level with this Milan side - who they face again, in the San Siro, next time out.
Salzburg are on five, Dinamo on three.
Still lots to play for in this group.
89’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan
Two minutes added on. Origi heads over at the near post. Milan never close to scoring tonight other than that wild miss from Krunic before half-time.
Chelsea very dominant after the first 15 minutes or so.
85’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan
Into the closing stages of the game. More possession for Milan now but it’s pointless possession, allowed by the hosts and going nowhere.
Koulibaly then breaks forward and Chilwell has the chance to cross, but turns back and ensures his side can continue to see out time.
78’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan
A cruise toward the finish line now for the hosts.
One or two of the late entrants might be hoping for a bit more goalmouth action but the tempo has dropped out of teh game since James’ strike. No surprise really, a very good job well done tonight for the Blues.
74’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan
The changes keep coming, for Chelsea now. Havertz on for Mount, Armando Broja on for Sterling.
Jorginho takes a kick but he looks fine to continue.
70’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan
Milan make their final three changes. Rebic and Gabbia came on for Krunic and De Ketelaere earlier; now it’s Brahim Diaz, Divock Origi and Tommaso Pobega for Leao, Giroud and Bennacer.
Silva is booked for a foul on Leao but the free-kick comes off Giroud and it’s out for a goal kick, before he’s replaced.
66’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan
Conor Gallagher and Jorginho on for Kovacic and Aubameyang. Changes now for both sides with this game over and done with. Milan have been really disappointing.
GOAL! 61’ - Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan
Game over! Sterling picks up the loose ball, draws a defender and then releases Reece James - who runs in on goal and powers it high and hard past Tatarusanu.
No chance for the keeper, no organisation in the defence.
GOAL! 55’ - Chelsea 2-0 AC Milan
And there’s the second, surely a killer!
James gets space on the right and delivers a low cross, Tomori can’t cut the ball out and Aubameyang is there to prod home from close range.
50’ - Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan
Low-key start to the second half with Chelsea looking the more dangerous once more. No clear openings in the first few minutes and Milan still lacking the intensity or athleticism to really cause problems on the break.
