Chelsea took advantage of an early red card against Fikayo Tomori to beat AC Milan 2-0 at the San Siro and move top of Champions League Group E on Tuesday.
The Blues’ win continues a strong start under manager Graham Potter, who remains undefeated in three Champions League matches since taking over for Thomas Tuchel.
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Milan were severely hindered by a man disadvantage after Tomori was sent off early for fouling Mason Mount in the penalty area in the 18th minute, which Chelsea capitalised on with Jorginho converting from the spot. Soon after, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continued his good form by doubling Chelsea’s lead to earn his side’s fourth consecutive victory and continue their unbeaten start under Potter’s stewardship.
Chelsea did suffer a blow in the second half as Reece James was forced off injured just after the hour mark.
With seven points after four matches, Chelsea sit on top of the group followed by FC Salzburg with six. AC Milan and Dinamo Zagreb each have four points.
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Rapid reaction
1. Chelsea’s Potter makes light of step up to Champions League
Graham Potter admitted at his unveiling as Chelsea boss that he had never even been to a Champions League match. A month later, the 47-year-old has taken seven points from his first three matches in the competition, recovering from a slow start under his predecessor Thomas Tuchel to put the Blues’ Group E fate in their own hands.
Back-to-back wins over a resurgent — if under-strength — AC Milan is a notable achievement for Potter, particularly winning here in the cauldron of the San Siro. Fikayo Tomori’s early red card made this a much easier test than it could have been, but Chelsea showed composure and maturity to forge into a 2-0 lead and then stand their ground when Milan’s supporters wanted referee Daniel Siebert to even up the sides with every foul Chelsea committed (10 players ended up being carded).
Chelsea still have a tricky trip to FC Salzburg, but they know victory over Dinamo Zagreb next time out will ensure they reach the last 16.
