Mason Mount played a key role in Chelsea’s 2-0 win at the San Siro as the Blues moved top of Group E and handed ten-man AC Milan defeat in their fourth consecutive Champions League game against a Premier League side.
Chelsea boss Graham Potter was in positive spirits after Jorginho’s spot-kick and a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang goal gave his side a second deserved win over AC Milan in a week, putting the Blues’ Champions League group-stage campaign firmly back on track.
Chelsea now lead the way in group E by a point with four games played. Dinamo Zagreb drew at home to Salzburg in the night’s other Group E fixture.
Potter reacts after Chelsea’s win
It is always difficult to claim a win at San Siro and Potter hailed his side after a hard-fought three points.
Speaking after the game, he said: “To come here and win is not straightforward, as you can see from the start of the game”.
“The crowd and the atmosphere were fantastic but overall we played well. The red card changes the complexion of the game but we still have make their 10 men count, which I think we did quite well.”
“It is not straightforward playing against 10 men,’ he added, ‘especially here because any action can lead to a goal and then the crowd would be so into the game again, and it becomes really difficult”.
“I still felt that we could do enough with the 11 v 11 but the referee has made the decision and we have to get on with it.
“So overall we’re delighted with the three points, with the clean sheet, and to score two goals is good.”
Aubameyang’s goal also meant the Gabonese forward has now scored three goals in his last three outings for the Blues and Potter was delighted with the striker’s form.
“We’ve not been doing anything special,” he added.
“He’s just been building his fitness, he came from a difficult summer and the more game time he gets, the stronger he gets. The more we understand him the more he understands us, and then everybody can see his qualities. It looks like he’s enjoying his football and scoring goals is important for him.”
Potter slowly steadying the ship
Another win for Chelsea means the Blues have now four consecutive games under Potter since being held to a draw by Salzburg in his first game in charge of the club. It is even better that the Blues have also recorded three consecutive clean sheets, while scoring at least two goals themselves in their last four outings.
Potter will now be eager to see his side maintain their brilliant form when they take on Aston Villa at the weekend.
