Three things learned from Chelsea's triumph over Milan yesterday

James was on the Score Sheet as Chelsea Secured an exciting win over Ac Milan Yesterday

Chelsea claimed their first Champions League win of 2022/23 with a comprehensive win over group leaders AC Milan. The Blues were up for the challenge from the outset and settled into the game well with Wesley Fofana opening the scoring after some very scrappy play in the Milan box on 24 minutes. The Frenchman was unfortunately unable to build upon his display as his studs caught on the ground and he picked up an injury, eventually being replaced by Trevoh Chalobah after attempting to continue.

The Serie A side struggled to have attempts on goal in the opening half, with Kepa Arrizabalaga only required to make one save in the opening 45 minutes. Chelsea only got better in the second period.

Reece James first provided the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with a well-weighted ball before carrying the ball into the box himself and unleashing a rocket of a shot into Milan's net to hand Chelsea a 3-0 lead. The Blues earned three points and now sit second in Group E, behind Salzburg and ahead of Milan.

Fottenis looks at things he observed from Graham potter's first Champions League win.

Trevoh Chalobah getting the nod ahead of Azpilicueta

In Potter's first match in charge of Chelsea, Cesar Azpilicueta was the man positioned to the right of Thiago Silva as the Blues set up to face Red Bull Salzburg. The club captain was favoured ahead of Kalidou Koulibaly, Trevoh Chalobah and Fofana against Red Bull Salzburg as Potter navigated his first game.

Summer signings Koulibaly and Fofana got the not against Milan, seemingly leaving Chalobh botton of the central defender pecking order as Chelsea took on their Champions League rivals at Stamford Bridge. When Fofana picked up his injury in the opening half of the game, it was Chalobah who was asked to warm up however, with the young defender seen as a more suitable replacement when directly against Rafael Leao.

The 23-year-old firmly placed himself next in the queue of Potter's selection process with a strong performance in just his second start of the season.

Aubameyang a big upgrade

That's two goals in two matches for the former Arsenal and AC Milan striker and he's capitalised on relatively few opportunities in front of goal. Like against the Eagles, Aubameyang looked closer to providing a more consistent performance than in his earlier outings as made himself available for balls from deep by coming short as well as testing the shoulder of the opposition defence.

The former Gabon international had fewer touches than any other Chelsea player who completed at least 45 minutes. Aubameyang had less than touches against Palace and just 21 in his time on the pitch against Milan but nevertheless felt involved and managed to finish well. Against Milan, he timed his run behind Fikayo Tomori to simply tap in James' cross, in what looks like it could be a potent combination moving forwards.

Ahead of the game Koulibaly noted: "Everybody knows Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, we know that he is an important player for us. He used to score a lot in the Premier League, he did it also in Barcelona last year and now we are happy to be with him today. We know that he can give us a lot because he can score a lot of goals and it is hard to take him in training because he is talented, but I think in training everybody is difficult to take because we have a lot of talent in this team. We know that we can score at any time, even if sometimes it is a little bit difficult."

Aubameyang has vindicated that confidence which will only increase his own and the faith the team have in him.

Alteration of tactics

Another match under Potter and another change in formation. The Blues head coach iss unafraid to alter his system dependent on the opposition and players available to him. Ahead of the Wednesday night clash Potter noted: "I think we need width. It's a stable side that allows the boys to go out, express themselves and be positive. We're playing against a top opponent so we have to play well but the boys are in a good place so we're looking forward to it."

Preparation cannot just be considered a way to negate the opposition, but also to enhance qualities the Blues can make use of. First, the width of James and Ben Chilwell, left the centre of the pitch with lots of space for Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling to roam in and in the second period, utilising James going forwards saw the England international open time and again with nobody tracking his run. Potter's plans appeared bang on.

The 47-year-old isn't afraid to change things during the match with Sterling also leading the line when Aubameyang was replced before Armando Broja was later introduced. Chelsea's flexibility will be a strength for Potter and were likely to see more iterations as October continues with the rate of games not slowing down and rotation inevitable.