“We had to survive”- Graham Potter gives honest verdict on his first win as Chelsea manager

Graham Potter ‘delighted with the three points’ as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace with last-gasp winner

Chelsea manager Graham Potter is “delighted with the three points” as the Blues beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in the Premier League. The Stamford Bridge side needed a last-gasp goal from Conor Gallagher to ensure victory.

We started the game on the front foot, controlling the play. However, Odsonne Edouard found the back of the net in the seventh minute against the run of play.

But Chelsea were able to get a goal back. Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang scored his first goal in a blue shirt in the 38th minute. Going into the break, all was square between the Stamford Bridge side and the Eagles. Speaking after the match via football.london, Potter was glad his team were able to restore parity.

“I thought we started quite well but conceded from the first action into the box. Credit to the boys, they recovered well and did not let their heads go down. It was nice to get an equaliser and get back in the game.”

Chelsea created a number of chances in the first half. But we were unable to make anything of them. And the Blues were pressing to take the lead. However, it was not to be in the first half.

The second half saw Patrick Vieira’s side come out guns blazing. Palace created a few opportunities before Chelsea took control of the game. Ruben Loftus-Cheek replaced Jorginho in the 56th minute. However, we did not create much.

Around the 70th minute mark, the Eagles once again looked threatening. Potter made some changes, bringing on Armando Broja and Gallagher also replaced Kai Havertz. And the 22-year-old’s long-range strike in the 90th minute made the difference.

“We had to survive moments as they are a good side with dangerous players. To be a goal down and come away with three points is fantastic so credit to the players.”

“There was a collective spirit among the players. We are delighted with the three points.”

Selhurst Park is a tough ground to visit. The new gaffer has done exceptionally well in taking the three points in his first league game in charge of Chelsea.

Potter’s first fixture in the Stamford Bridge side’s dugout ended in a disappointing draw against RB Salzburg in the Champions League. And it seemed the Palace game was going to end in a similar result.

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However, the players have done well. Chelsea have had some matches to contend with this season. Hopefully, the team will carry the positive spirits as AC Milan visit Stamford Bridge for the UCL tie.