Graham Potter checks in with Chelsea board
Graham Potter took over as Chelsea manager in October 2022. His impact was immediate as Chelsea progressed to the last 16 of 2022/2023 UEFA Champions League. He also was unbeaten since taken over in the Premier League until they lost 4-1 to his old side Brighton & Hove Albion. They responded with a 2-1 win against Dinamo Zagreb but the performance was not convincing.
Chelsea faced a big North London derby against top of the table Arsenal last weekend. Chelsea struggled to create chances as they only had one shot on target. Potter is currently without big characters as both attacking players Reece James and N’Golo Kante are out of action. Chelsea have a lot of wingers but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not the answer in my opinion as he is currently 32 years old.
Chelsea faced a tough midweek test as they played Manchester City in the third round of 2022/2023 EFL Cup. Potter made plenty of changes for this game but still had a strong forward line of Christian Pulisic, Armando Broja and Hakem Ziyech at the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea created five shots on target against Man City but still lost 2-0. Potter is currently under a bit of pressure after recent results.
Chelsea face another tough test as they play an inform Newcastle United at St James Park. This will be a game were Chelsea will look to play on the counter attack with Raheem Sterling and Aubameyang. My opinion is that Sterling and Aubameyang are not a strong partnership and will struggle to score 20 to 25 goals a season. Chelsea have made some strange signings over the years which includes the likes of Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Kai Havertz. Potter is frustrated that he wants to play acertain philosophy but still does not know his first eleven.
Potter is a talented manager but needs backing from the Chelsea higher Arkie regarding his brand of football. Chelsea also need to decide if both Conor Gallagher, Broja and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be playing on a weekly basis rather than just playing speratically. It will be a successful season if Potter manages a top four finish in the 2022/2023 Premier League with The Blues.