Reactionary.
It's the shameful truth that Chelsea fans simply want results from the first game, and will criticize each and every new manager as they come in. That's why I wasn't really surprised to see #PotterOut trending hours after the game. Laughable.
I remember the 4-0 loss to United in Lampard's first PL game, and the hate was massive. We went on to reach the FA Cup final and get Top 4 with a team that was serving a transfer ban. Tuchel's first game ended in a 0-0 draw, and while he only had one session with the squad beforehand, there were still some eager to criticize.
I saw the same kind of reaction towards Potter tonight. Mentioning his lack of experience at managing top level, UCL qualifying clubs (this was his first CL game as a manager), lack of experience and silverware, you name it. There were some boos at FT, which I cannot understand.
Despite the 1-1 draw, I saw a lot of positives, and more importantly, I really like how we played. We're quicker in attack, more forward balls, quick 1-2s on the counter, and players playing in favorable positions that bring out their individual skills. Our press was strong, especially in midfield with players showing a high energy to win the ball back.
What people might miss is that things still aren't perfect, but they will be soon. We had balls go out of play because two players weren't on the same wavelength, some occassions one player got in the way of the other. When we iron those kinks out and get comfortable playing in this system, trust me, it'll be worth the wait
The formation we went with baffled myself and a lot of people before the game. It was one of not many surprises - Potter going for proven experience as expected. Pundits in the studio called it a 4-3-3 and when Potter was quizzed on it in his pre-match interview he gave the great answer of "you'll have to wait and see!"
While it had potential to morph and adapt as the game went on, I would call it a 3-5-1-1:
Aside from the goal conceded, Kepa had a strong game - I think it's still too early to see which keeper Potter favours, and work with new GK coach will no doubt help a lot. Still, he looked assertive and made some strong saves to keep the scores level.
We saw how the wide back line of CBs will function under Potterball. Silva sits deepest in the centre and doesn't push forward as often, whilst you'll often see Cucu and Azpi on occasion push upfield in attack. Most notably is Cucu, who in this game we saw pushing all the way up with Sterling, often being used as an option for a quick 1-2, making overlapping runs and sending crosses into the box. Someone said on twitter he was playing LCB, CM, LWB and LW all at once, and it's true. He's going to be one of our key players in this system, had an amazing game.
Speaking of amazing games, Silva, again. Not much else to say.
Midfield is interesting. We've got Sterling and Reece playing wing-backs. Sterling was the most interesting as this is a new role for him. Personally I think it suits him very well, as I was becoming quite tired of Tuchel trying to shove him into a striker / CF role, when really he thrives when making runs into the box and either cutting inside or setting himself for a curler (see the goal), or setting either Auba or Havertz up for a shot. Most importantly, Sterling is a goal-threat (he has 4 goals in his last 5 games), and from this role he has good chances to create goalscoring oppurtnities due to the space that is created for him through stretching of opposition defences, as you have Auba, Havertz, Kova, Mount and James all across the attacking line during attacks. In many cases he was the most advanced attacking player on the pitch, so he could be a strong attacking threat.
Reece took a little bit longer to get into it, but got there in the end, notably using his strength and dribbling talents to progress the ball, as well as crosses into the middle or
In terms of the central midfielders, Jorginho acts as a deeper playmaker, just behind the midfield pivot. From there he has freedom to ping long balls up to the strikers as an option, whilst also helping to nullify counterattacks as a defensive option. Kova and Mount was the pivot once again, but this time I think it worked out much much better. Mount had a great game, and I think this position on the pitch will work very well for him. As a midfield 8 of sorts, Kova and Mount can either create triangles down the wings with Cucu/Sterling and Azpi/James respectively, they can use the wings for crosses and they can also function as a 10 on the edge of the opposition box to shoot from distance - something Mount and Kova are both very good at. I love this setup.
Not only that but I think Gallagher will do well in this system; he was someone who I think Potter will enjoy working with.
In terms of attack - I've placed Havertz a bit deeper on the lineup because he was very much a false 9, often dropping into midfield to become a passing option, as well as pushing up into the box and supporting Auba in attack. I think he played well and I think Potter may well get the best out of him here.
Auba had chances in this game too, but I think it's still a bit early, he's still settling in. Broja is a good option off the bench and Potter may well try out Broja in some games. Off the bench the Albanian had a few shots and oppurtunities, and will relish the chance to impress the new boss and fight for a starting spot.
I should also mention - Ruben came on in place of Havertz and played a good game - I hope he can carry on featuring like he did in Tuchel's last few games. Ziyech and Pulisic also subbed off
That's what I gathered from the lineup for this game, all in all I was very impressed and I think we played very intelligently.
The goal conceded came from individual mistakes - Cucu mistimes an interception in midfield, J5 comes over to help which opens up space for a counter. Silva then misses his tackle, Cucu and J5 don't get there in time, and then the ball is squared across for a first time finish that also evades Azpi's tackle. Kepa is out of reach and that's that.
We can moan about it forever, but I think on a better day we make the interception and hang on. It should also be said that Salsburg had 4 shots over 90 mins -shows how potent this defensive setup is but also leads to disappointment that we couldn't grab all 3 points.
On the other hand we had several chances to score - the goals will come, I'm certain of that.
Overall, it's first game, let's give everyone a chance to settle in to this new system.
From this game especially, I'd expect our defence to change - it seems Potter went experience first and foremost with Azpi and Jorgi starting. I'd love to see Zakaria try out that deep midfield role, and of course when Kante is back from injury he'll no doubt be first choice most games in that role.
I also think Azpi will be swapped out for one of K2 or Fofana, as both are a lot more mobile compared to him and will fit what Potter expects of his back line
And keep in mind, this formation could change too - I could see Potter switching things up to accomodate more players, so who knows what could happen.
I think this reactionary attitude towards Potter is out of fear - we're bottom of our CL group after two games with a near-perfect run now required in order to qualify. We need results in the league quick in order to bounce back, and after seeing similar mistakes in this game that we saw under Tuchel's last few games, questions will no doubt be asked.
We're now in a very good position to grow. We have a strong squad, a promising manager, an owner who has now shown that he wants to support and grow the team in every way. I don't care about all out success this season, because it's near impossible given where we are at the moment.
As long as we see continuous growth and development within the team, implementing promising youth talent (I think CHO and Colwill can get opportunities, among others) and not imploding and changing managers every two years like we have done before, we can become a very strong force.
We now have no games until October due to the brief international break, but I'm sure Potter will take this game and look at what worked well and what should be changed.
From this game however, I've seen a lot of positives, and I'm excited for the weeks ahead.
