Graham Potter’s debut as Chelsea manager was what they would call an “island game” in American sports. A week had passed since our last game, and there’s two and a half to go until our next one.
Managers’ debuts are generally pored over and read into more than they should be anyway, but this unique scenario means we’re likely to see exceptional levels of that here – so we’re wary of drawing too many conclusions.
But one thing we will think we can recognise already is something we had heard from Brighton fans was a real characteristic part of Potter’s philosophy: a game to game approach to personnel and formations that will adapt between matches and through matches.
The use of Raheem Sterling as a left wing back last night was a perfect example. As Potter explained in his press conference afterwards, it was a specific choice to target RB Salzburg’s weaknesses.
So anyone questioning whether it’s a good idea long term needn’t worry too much. Just wait a few weeks until we play again, and you’ll likely see something totally different.
