Salzburg Turn Up the Energy

The first test for Graham Potter threw up rather mixed results. Perhaps it was the short lead-time for the manager. Perhaps it was the slightly new 4-2-3-1 formation. Perhaps it was even the gan-chiongness after having lost the first game to Dinamo Zagreb 1-0. But this Chelsea side; while bright on enthusiasm and energy; seemed a little scattered and ill-organised in equal measure.

Even when they took the lead early in the second half; it was more due to a mistake from the previously-steadfast Bernardo that allowed Raheem Sterling the opportunity to guide home. The home fans were sensing a comfortable victory; but in the Champions League; just one moment or error can often lead to a climax. And so it did; when the also-previously unflappable Thiago Silva made a fatal mistake when he failed to tackle cleanly the onrushing Junior Adamu. With space to cross; he found fellow striker Noah Okafor whose shot took a slight fortuitous deflection off Cesar Azpilicueta and into the Chelsea net.

Overall; the jury will still be out for Potter's new-found club; but the fact remains that with only 1 point form their opening 2 games; and AC Milan looming; they can ill afford many more slip-ups.