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Chelsea rose to the occasion with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund that ensured progress to the Champions League quarter-finals and Graham Potter deserves huge credit.
For all the troubles Chelsea have faced this season, this was a performance reminiscent of some of their more decent stuff under Thomas Tuchel.
Graham Potter goes back to basics for Chelsea
This victory was certainly aided by Graham Potter’s decision to revert to a back three, a system which has served the club so well, dating back to Antonio Conte’s time in charge.
Sometimes, all you have to do is go back to basics. It may not always work but this time, it did.
It was refreshing to see a clear structural plan in place and wingbacks once again playing pivotal roles in the attacking phase of the game.
Perhaps this is the way to go for Potter moving forward. The obsession with a back four is confusing, especially because the players at Chelsea are suited to a different system.
The Raheem Sterling effect
Raheem Sterling has also added an interesting dynamic since his return from injury. A pacey forward who can read space like very few others can and quite frankly, an upgrade on some of the attackers who have tried and failed to leave an impression in recent weeks for Chelsea.
Playing as part of a front three with Kai Havertz who scored the penalty that sent Chelsea through, and Joao Felix who was excellent, Sterling put in a shift on both ends of the field and capped a fine performance with a goal.
Chelsea have been wasteful in front of goal this season and despite being the better side for large periods against Dortmund, it seemed like they would come to regret those missed chances in the end.
Ultimately for a side who have not scored more than one goal in a game since December 27, this will certainly be a welcome development.
Dortmund did have chances towards the end, Bellingham in particular saw his shot fly narrowly wide but the Blues held on to book a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
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