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Analysing Graham Potter’s First Five Games at Chelsea

Graham Potter

With a Champions League win at the San Siro complete, Graham Potter passed the five-game mark as head coach at Chelsea. In this article, we will be taking a look at how his presence has impacted the team and whether or not he’s turned things around.

Graham Potter’s First Five Games at Chelsea

Results

Things did not get off to the best of starts for the new manager as his first game at the helm ended in a draw with Red Bull Salzburg. After the international break, however, things have taken a positive turn with the club, winning four matches in a row. Three of those four wins were convincing victories with a difference of two or more goals between sides.

Compare that to the last five results under Thomas Tuchel, which had three defeats and two wins. Both final victories under the German were by a slim 2-1 scoreline, with one of the two requiring some late heroics.

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It’s interesting to note that Tuchel’s first five games in charge of Chelsea followed the same pattern of starting with a draw and winning four in a row.

Style of Play

Towards the end of the last regime’s reign at the club, it was frustrating watching the team play. The players went out and dominated possession in every game but there was no instinct for what to do with the ball. This became increasingly evident as time wore on.

Take the defeat to Southampton, for example. The Blues had 68 per cent possession but only turned that into four shots on target, compared to the seven their opponents created. In the final game of Tuchel’s career – a 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb – the side had 69 per cent possession. They made just under 700 passes but that translated to just three shots on target all game.

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Defensively, they were frail, and offensively they were showing no killer instinct. It was clear to those watching that something had to change.

Enter Graham Potter. Under the English manager, there’s been more ingenuity and attacking impetus from everyone. He’s even managed to unleash the best of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has three goals in five games under the new coach.

To look at some examples of the differences under the 47-year-old, let’s take a look at the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The London side only had 58 per cent possession but that translated to seven shots on target, and more importantly, three goals. The 3-0 win over AC Milan at Stamford Bridge was similar. 52 per cent possession manifested itself in six shots on target.

Not only has the defence been shored up but the attacking players are creating more, and seemingly, better chances. Something that had largely gone away in the dying days of Tuchel’s leadership.

Tactics

One thing that’s been interesting to see under the new manager is a renewed tactical flexibility at Chelsea. We’ve so far seen them operate with a back three and a back four depending on the game. Old reliable systems like the 4-2-3-1 have made an appearance alongside the more inventive 4-2-2-2. The tactical variety has kept opponents guessing and allowed him to tinker with the roles of the players on the field.

Graham Potter’s First  Five Games at Chelsea – Conclusion

There is reason to be optimistic if you’re a fan of the Blues. The team is playing well, Aubameyang is scoring and there’s an air of optimism around the club. Potter has hit the ground running in a manner that few expected, long may it continue.

Alex Richards, LWOF Editor

Alex Richards, LWOF Editor

An experienced football writer, Alex is also a long-time wrestling and gaming writer. He brings lifelong experience and passion for both mediums to his writing. He aims to cover each with niche accurately and thoroughly.

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