The Anti-Chelsea Way: Graham Potter Rejects Demands for Aggressive Strikers

A defeat like this raises questions about the front line’s ability; the creativity to create chances is evident, but they must be finished if the Blues are to win games.

Following Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Aston Villa, Graham Potter refused to include Diego Costa or Didier Drogba in his squad.

The Blues may have dominated the game against Villa, but their inability to find the back of the net ultimately cost them.

It was a tough defeat for the west Londoners, who had chances in the first half through Ben Chilwell, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Kai Havertz but trailed at the break.

A miscommunication between Marc Cucurella and Kalidou Koulibaly at the back allowed Ollie Watkins through one-on-one with Kepa Arrizabalaga, and he clinically lobbed the Spaniard to put the visitors ahead.

Clearly, frustration was growing around Stamford Bridge, and things worsened in the second half, with more chances wasted by the hosts and John McGinn hitting a thunderous effort to double the lead for the visiting Villa.

Chelsea had a few more chances before the final whistle, but they couldn’t convert, dropping them to 11th in the Premier League table.

The Blues fired 27 shots at Emiliano Martinez, their most in a game without scoring since 2014.

In comparison, Villa only had five shots on goal, but they still managed to score twice and win.

A defeat like this raises questions about the front line’s ability; the creativity to create chances is evident, but they must be finished if the Blues are to win games.

When asked what he would give to have a striker like Didier Drogba or Diego Costa in the team after the game, Potter replied, “There’s nothing for me to say.” I have the players I need.

“They gave everything today, even though we’re all disappointed with the outcome.” The team’s intent was there, as was the attack, but the scoreline was painful for us, so there’s not much I can say that appears positive.”

The Anti-Chelsea Way: Graham Potter Rejects Demands for Aggressive Strikers