Graham Potter's Chelsea debut ends in frustrating stalemate

Animated Graham Potter was left frustrated in Chelsea's 1-1 draw at home against Salzburg in the champions league on Wednesday. (Photo credit: ESPN)

Graham Potter’s start to life as Chelsea boss ended in frustration as Austrian side, FC Salzburg held the Blues to a 1-1 draw in front of a packed Stamford Bridge crowd on Wednesday and, that leaves Chelsea on just a point in two champions league games.

Chelsea had led through a Raheem Sterling curling beauty just after the restart but the Blues were well punished for numerous wasted chances late on when Noah Okafor bundled home from close range after Chelsea’s defense was cut open.

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount were guilty of missing glit edge chances that could have sent Chelsea clear in the game but they all fluffed their lines and Salzburg was unforgiving when a chance was presented to them.

"We're disappointed with the result," Potter told BT Sport. "I thought the boys gave everything. We scored a good goal, but lost a bit in the second half but their goalkeeper has made some good saves.

"It has not been easy for the boys, they have responded to us really well over the last few days and it's a point we will have to take and get better. The attitude has been fantastic, no complaints apart from the fact we have not taken three points."

With Edouard Mendy injured, Potter handed the goalkeeper role to Kepa Arrizabalaga and the trio of Ceazer Azpilicueta, Marc Cucurella and Tiago Silva were selected as back three, dropping Kalidou Koulibaly to the bench in a decision that will raise eyebrows.

The Stamford Bridge crowd paid tribute to the departed manager Thomas Tuchel in the 21^st minute to appreciate the champions league trophy he won for them in 2021. Chelsea’s next champions league game is against AC Milan; they will not be in league action this weekend due to the Queen’s funeral.