Potter’s Champions League debut ends in a draw, and he will have learnt plenty from that performance this evening. Chelsea appeared to be in total control once they opened the scoring.
But Potter learnt just how competitive the competition is. Sterling’s curling finish put his team in front, which was no less than they deserved.
But like they have done all season, Chelsea struggled to see off their opponents, and Okafor ruined Potter’s welcome party with 15 minutes to go
Starting lineup:
CHELSEA (4-3-3): Kepa Arrizabalaga;
Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta (c), Thiago Silva, Marc Cucurella;
Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, Mason Mount;
Kai Havertz, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raheem Sterling.
SUBS: Conor Gallagher, Kalidou Koulibaly, Armando Broja, Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marcus Bettinelli, Hakim Ziyech, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ben Chilwell, Christian Pulisic, Trevoh Chalobah, Denis Zakaria.
SALZBURG (4-3-1-2): Philipp Kohn;
Amar Dedic, Bernardo, Strahinja Pavlovic, Andreas Ulmer (c);
Nicolas Capaldo, Nicolas Seiwald, Maurits Kjaergaard;
Luka Sucic, Benjamin Sesko, Noah Okafor.
SUBS: Kamil Piatkowski, Sekou Koita, Ignace van der Brempt, Samson Baidoo, Roko Simic, Nico Mantl, Dijon Kameri, Chukwubuike Adamu, Youba Diarra, Lucas Gourna Douath, Alexander Walke, Benjamin Sesko.
Goals:
GOAAAALLL – CHELSEA 1-0 SALZBURG – Chelsea finally get their breakthrough, and Sterling fires home from inside the penalty area. England boss Gareth Southgate will be delighted with the goal as James, Mount and Sterling all played their part. The right-back started the move before playing Mount in down the line. His cross was intended for Aubameyang, but Sterling reacted in style once the former Arsenal man missed it. He took one touch before curling the ball past Kohn!
GOAAAALLL – CHELSEA 1-1 SALZBURG – From nowhere, Okafor draws the visitors level. Salzburg’s attack down the right-hand side looked to be coming to nothing, but Silva’s poor challenge gave Adamu the chance to pounce. He composed himself before teeing up Okafor, who slotted home past Kepa. GAME ON!
So, what’s next?
We might have seen a different outcome if this match had taken place in a few weeks.
Aubameyang had several chances to score, only for Bernardo to thwart him on each occasion.
Sterling was the pick of the bunch, but further opportunities fell to Mount and Ziyech, who were not at the races this evening.
Salzburg will be delighted with their point on the road, and it will be up to Chelsea to get revenge when they meet again in October.
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