Simon Johnson of the Athletic noticed something interesting at full time after Chelsea’s win over Leeds in the FA Cup.
He spotted injured captain Reece James congratulating young debutant Jimi Tauriainen after he came on as a sub for his first minutes in Blue. Johnson said the full back gave the youngster “a big congratulatory hug” as he became the latest Cobham product to make his debut for Chelsea.
Reece James is greeting the #CFC players as they come off. Just gave Tauriainen a big congratulatory hug for making his debut. #CHELEE
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) February 28, 2024
It wasn’t the kind of day for giving away easy minutes to youngsters in general – this was a massive game to win, and there was huge tension in the stadium throughout. But Pochettino was just that short of options.
James has recently returned to light training outside, and is just a few weeks way from being able to join full team work. But in the meantime while he’s on the sidelines, he can still make great contributions like this.
It is a pretty bleak time at Chelsea, despite the win tonight, and we appreciate moments like this.
