Chelsea reaction: Graham Potter emphasises importance of ‘constant threat’ Mason Mount; gives honest opinion of controversial Tomori red card
Tomori #Tomori
Graham Potter praised the impact of Mason Mount after Chelsea’s latest win over AC Milan, although he conceded there was some “luck” behind their numerical advantage.
After beating AC Milan and keeping a clean sheet in the process last week, Chelsea did it again on Tuesday. This time, goals from Jorginho (from the penalty spot) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang earned them a 2-0 win at San Siro.
AC Milan set their sights on Chelsea forward Armando Broja
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The task was made easier by virtue of the fact that AC Milan played much of the game with 10 men. Former Blues defender Fikayo Tomori received a red card for his foul on Mason Mount that led to the penalty being awarded.
Jorginho made no mistake with the opportunity to put his side in front, before Aubameyang doubled the scoreline before the break to make sure of the win.
The hosts put up little threat, only managing one shot on target – and even that took until stoppage time.
Consequently, Chelsea are now top of their group, having played four of their six matches. AC Milan, meanwhile, are in last place – but just three points still separate them.
Graham Potter has now overseen four consecutive wins with Chelsea between the Premier League and Champions League. He has won both of his away games so far since taking charge.
Doing so at San Siro, even if there was “a bit of luck” given the Tomori situation, was a big achievement for the Blues boss.
Potter told BT Sport: “To come here and win is not easy. Credit to the players. They were really good.
“We had a bit of luck with the opposition going down to 10 men. Overall the performance was good. It’s nice to keep a clean sheet and to come away with three points is fantastic.”
Reflecting further on the red card for Tomori, Potter was keen to focus more on how Chelsea created the chance.
He added: “It’s hard from where I’m sitting. It looks like he had his hand on him and Mason Mount was through on goal. I need to look again clearly.
“It’s nice for the penalty and nice for Jorginho to score. It was a nice move to lead to it. It is what it is. Sometimes they go for you.
“It’s tricky. You want to control the game but not to be too passive. With the atmosphere here, one action can result in a goal, the stadium erupts and they feel like they have an extra man.”
After winning the penalty, Mount went on to assist Aubameyang’s goal as well. It followed on from his pair of assists against Wolves at the weekend.
It has not been an easy start to the season for the England midfielder. However, he seems to be picking up a rhythm again – and his manager knows how important that could be.
Potter explained: “He’s really important. He was on a yellow card and he’s played a lot of football. So at half time we gave him a breather.
“He was fantastic. He was a constant threat. I’ve been really pleased with him from the start. He’s a really important player.”
Chelsea are next in action on Sunday, when they travel to face Aston Villa upon their return to a Premier League focus.
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