The 2023 Champions League has been a thrilling ride so far
The 2023 Champions League has been a thrilling ride so far, with some of the best teams in Europe battling it out for glory on the pitch. One of the standout moments of the tournament so far was Chelsea's victory over Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16. The win was particularly significant for Chelsea manager Graham Potter, who has been under pressure to deliver results since taking the helm. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at Chelsea's performance against Dortmund and assess whether Potter can keep the momentum going.
Firstly, let's talk about the game itself.
Chelsea were dominant from the outset, with their high-pressing and aggressive style of play causing problems for Dortmund’s defence. The first goal came from a stunning strike from Mason Mount in the 22nd minute, who expertly picked out the top corner of the net from outside the box. Dortmund tried to respond but were largely kept at bay by a resolute Chelsea defence.
The second goal came in the second half, with Callum Hudson-Odoi capitalising on a defensive error from Dortmund to slot the ball home. The result was well-deserved for Chelsea, who were the better team on the night.
This was a dominant display from a team
However, what was particularly impressive about Chelsea’s performance was the way they controlled the game. They had 58% possession, completed 85% of their passes and had 17 shots on goal. This was a dominant display from a team that is starting to click under Potter’s leadership.
Since taking over from Frank Lampard in 2022, Potter has had a mixed record. He’s overseen some impressive wins, such as the 4-1 victory over Manchester United earlier in the season, but has also seen his team struggle against weaker opposition. However, the win over Dortmund was arguably Potter’s best since taking the helm, and suggests that he’s starting to get the best out of his players.
They've dropped points against teams they should be beating
So, can Potter keep it going? The answer is that it’s difficult to say. Chelsea’s squad is undoubtedly talented, but they have struggled with consistency this season. They’ve dropped points against teams they should be beating, such as Crystal Palace and Southampton, which has prevented them from keeping pace with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
However, if Potter can continue to get the best out of his players, then there’s no reason why Chelsea can’t go all the way in the Champions League this season. They have a solid defence, an impressive midfield, and a talented attack that can cause problems for any team. The challenge for Potter will be to maintain consistency and ensure that his team is able to perform at their best on a consistent basis.
Progress in the Champions League
There are a few factors that will be key to Chelsea’s success in the Champions League this season. Firstly, consistency will be vital. As mentioned earlier, Chelsea have struggled with inconsistency in the Premier League this season, dropping points against teams they should be beating. In order to progress in the Champions League, they will need to maintain a high level of performance in every game they play.
Another important factor will be squad depth. Chelsea have a talented squad, but injuries and fatigue can take their toll during a long season. Potter will need to manage his players carefully and rotate the squad when necessary to ensure that everyone is fresh and ready to perform at their best in every game.
Potter will need to be able to make changes
Finally, tactical flexibility will be crucial. Chelsea have shown that they can be successful with their high-pressing, aggressive style of play, but they will need to be able to adapt to different opponents and game situations. Potter will need to be able to make changes to his tactics and formations when necessary in order to outsmart his opponents.
Overall, the 2023 Champions League has been an exciting tournament so far, and Chelsea’s victory over Dortmund was a standout moment. While there is still a long way to go in the competition, Potter and his team will be quietly confident that they can go all the way. If they can maintain consistency, manage their squad effectively, and be tactically flexible, then they could be lifting the trophy come the end of the season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chelsea’s win over Dortmund in the Champions League was a significant moment for the club and for Graham Potter. It showed that they have the ability to compete with the best teams in Europe, and that Potter is starting to get the best out of his players. However, the challenge now is to maintain consistency and ensure that the team is able to perform at their best on a regular basis. If Potter can do that, then there’s no reason why Chelsea can’t go all the way in the Champions League this season.
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