Much was expected of AC Milan's coveted winger at Stamford Bridge but it was the hosts' rampaging wing-back who stole the show in a 3-0 win.
Chelsea gave their hopes of reaching the Champions League last 16 a timely boost with a resounding 3-0 victory over AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Reece James was the star of the show, notching a goal and an assist in the space of six second-half minutes, with summer signings Wesley Fofana and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joining the right-back on the scoresheet.
The one major negative for Chelsea on an evening full of positives was a serious-looking knee injury to Fofana that forced him off shortly after he had opened the scoring.
Still, this fine result means that the Blues have moved off the bottom of Group E and their qualification hopes are alive and kicking.
Below, GOAL runs through the winners and losers from a vital victory for Graham Potter and his players…
GettyThe Winners
Reece James:
Yet another player of the match award to add to his collection. James is fast becoming one of the most complete footballers around – let alone wing-backs. Having kept the outrageously pacey Leao quiet in the first half, James flipped the narrative on its head to become the attacking protagonist after the break, crossing for Aubameyang before slamming the ball into the roof of the net himself to make it 3-0.
Kepa Arrizabalaga:
Handed another start despite Edouard Mendy being available again, Kepa repaid that faith when required. This match will be remembered for Chelsea's attacking performance, but Kepa made a key intervention with the score at 1-0, denying Charles De Ketelaere with a spectacular one-handed save from close range. Who knows what would have happened had that gone in?
Graham Potter:
Some eyebrows would have been raised by the manager's team selection, but he got things tactically spot on to thwart Milan's main threats. Leao's pace was matched by James, Fofana and substitute Trevoh Chalobah, Sandro Tonali's creativity was dampened by the tenacity of Loftus-Cheek and Kovacic, and Kepa was there when it counted.
AdvertisementGettyThe Losers
Rafael Leao:
Much of the pre-match chat had centred on this being a potential Stamford Bridge audition for Leao, who has been linked with a big-money transfer to Chelsea in the near future. However, although he threatened to dominate the game early on, the Portugal international was largely kept at bay and was visibly disappointed by being replaced with 20 minutes to go.
Fikayo Tomori:
This was supposed to be a glorious homecoming for Tomori – a chance to show Chelsea what they had been missing since becoming a Scudetto winner at Milan after being discarded by the Blues 18 months ago. However, things didn't go according to plan. Although he wasn't helped by injuries to a number of his usual defensive colleagues, Milan looked ragged at the back in the lead up to each Chelsea goal – and Tomori was at fault for the second, failing to stop James' cross to Aubameyang. A booking for dissent more or less summed up a miserable evening or the Chelsea academy product.
Red Bull Salzburg:
Having moved top of the group with a handy victory over Dinamo Zagreb earlier in the evening, Red Bull Salzburg would have been hoping for a damp squib between these European heavyweights as they target an unlikely place in the last 16. However, Chelsea's victory throws Group E wide open and hands the big guns the advantage in the three matchdays to come.
GettyChelsea ratings: Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (7/10):
Sublime one-handed, point-blank save to deny Charles De Ketelaere.
Wesley Fofana (7/10):
Slotted home his first goal for the club – couldn't miss. Unfortunate to be forced off early with a knock.
Thiago Silva (7/10):
Epic tackle on Leao and a hand in the opener. Won't believe he didn't score himself, though.
Kalidou Koulibaly (6/10):
Started sloppily but largely untroubled throughout.
GettyMidfield
Reece James (9/10):
Kept Leao quiet, got an assist and popped up with another thumping strike for his repertoire. An fantastic all-round talent.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (7/10):
Though a little sloppy in possession, his energy helped to keep Tonali and De Ketelaere at bay.
Mateo Kovacic (6/10):
Got through plenty of the dirty work with his usual tenacity.
Ben Chilwell (7/10):
Miraculous block to keep Milan out and played a role in the second and third goals.