Chelsea strengthened their position in Champions League Group E with a 3 – 0 win over Milan at Stamford Bridge.
Milan entered the game on Wednesday with injuries to a number of first team players. Nonetheless, manager Stefano Pioli said their intention was to take the game to Chelsea.
They did, for about ten minutes, but once Chelsea started pressuring them they had no answer.
The intensity and physicality of Chelsea, combined with some comical Milan defending, was enough for a dominant home win.
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Chelsea’s first goal was the result of three corners during which Milan gradually descended into chaos. Thiago Silva had a free header in every corner, and Wesley Fofana took advantage of Milan faffing about to slot the ball home from close range.
Milan provided nothing going forward, and lacked the traditional stout Italian defending. From there, Chelsea took control. Loftus-Cheek, Reece James and Raheem Sterling were a continuous threat on the right hand side with their strength and combination play.
Chelsea’s second goal came from there. A Sterling cross found the otherwise anonymous Aubemeyang, who finished coolly for 2 – 0.
Sterling also assisted the third, cleverly timing a pass through to Reece James who happily provided his trademark emphatic finish from a tight angle. A reward for his assured display and at 3 – 0, the game was over.
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It’s an impressive win for Chelsea and Graham Potter, but they were not made to work hard for it. You have a feeling that the current attack is a placeholder until Christopher Nkunku joins in January.
For all his finishing prowess, Aubemeyang doesn’t contribute enough to be the center forward. If he starts most games, he will probably hit the 20 goal mark but he won’t do anything else. Up against sterner opposition, this team will struggle to create chances.
