Chelsea fans reacted with a mixture of joy and relief after their team defeated Borussia Dortmund by an aggregate score of 2-1 to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.
While most fans were simply pleased that their team had won, others adopted a more critical approach. Clearly, many Chelsea fans still aren’t convinced by Graham Potter’s ability to lead them forward despite the manager clearly having the backing of the ownership.
Graham Potter has always improved the players he has worked with across his management career and this season has been a nightmare for him when you consider how the squad has changed hence the reviews of him by the fans remain mixed.
Kai Havertz also received a lot of attention online. He played well against Dortmund, but fans seem to be torn on what they think of him at this moment in time.
What a performance! What a win! This is all we ask for, just fight for that shirt! Havertz, Chilwell and James specially were absolutely sensational tonight.
— P (@ForeverBlue_07) March 7, 2023
A relief. So much better. Kova and Kai showed why they’re big game players. But man, Potter’s substitutions really broke up our rhythm and composure. Anyway..loads to build on.
— kristyan benedict (@KreaseChan) March 7, 2023
Graham Potters mighty blues!!!
— Ashley Payne (@Ashley_Payne95) March 7, 2023
FULL TIME THOUGHTS.
• Good game from Havertz, he’s still mid.
• Koulibaly was solid, same as Fofana.
• Kepa was a beast.
• Chilwell is him.
• Good game we had tho.— OTUNBA (@ManLikeIcey) March 7, 2023
I still dislike Potter as a coach but he did well today. Even the subs weren’t too bad👏
— Bloo (@CFCobsessed) March 7, 2023
This manager is so bad that his poor decision making is still noticed even when the team is playing well.
— Aburi Accord (@MosesMosesnmc) March 7, 2023
Blues fans are still largely divided on Potter’s abilities. While they were almost unanimous in their lambasting of him a week ago, the last couple of results have made some supporters reconsider their position.
Chelsea were largely dominant in the game against Dortmund, despite only having 39% of possession. They looked far more likely to score, as the Blues broke effectively and put their vast arsenal of attacking players to good use.
Former Liverpool and Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling opened the scoring late in the first half, followed up by a penalty from Kai Havertz. Despite missing his initial spot kick, he was allowed to retake it after VAR footage revealed that several Dortmund players had encroached into the penalty area. Upon his second attempt, he slotted the ball home.
Chelsea will likely face stern competition in the quarter-finals – they could be drawn against teams such as Real Madrid, Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspur.