“I haven’t seen anyone talk about it yet”, “deserve at least 2 assists” – Chelsea fans surprised with performance from player who proved doubters wrong in 3-0 win over Wolves
Chelsea fans were left surprised by Cesar Azpilicueta's performance in the Blues' comfortable 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 8.
Graham Potter's side cruised to victory through goals from Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja.
Havertz gave the Blues the lead just before half-time, heading home a superb cross from Mason Mount. Pulisic then doubled the lead in the 54th minute with a brilliant effort after a clever one-two with Mount.
Broja wrapped up the victory in the 89th minute, unleashing a fierce effort past Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa.
Much was made of Potter's starting XI for the game, with some fans firmly against the decision to start captain Azpilicueta.
However, the veteran defender performed admirably, dealing with the threat from Wolves' Goncalo Guedes.
Azpilicueta made three key passes with a 78.9% passing accuracy and also had the highest number of touches of any player on the pitch (100).
The Spaniard picked out the likes of Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher regularly and was as reliable going forward as he was defensively.
Chelsea are still unbeaten under new boss Potter. They are currently fourth in the league table, with 16 points after eight matches.
Fans noticed Azpilicueta's solid display against Wolves and below are some of the reactions from Twitter:
azpilicueta is putting in a massive shift today by the way, i haven’t seen anyone talk about it yet
How on earth has Azpilicueta become a better attacker than he is a defender as he ages
Azpilicueta is putting in his best performance in some time at wing-back. His yellow card earlier was harsh imo.
Potter has us playing champagne football with this lineup and even azpilicueta is playing like prime dani Alves omg
Azpilicueta running around like he's 23 years old, not 33. Good half by him
What on earth did Azpilicueta have for breakfast oh my god, what a performance so far
Azpilicueta deserve at least 2 assists already.
Azpilicueta was shockingly good tho, I thought he’s finished
Azpilicueta could’ve broken Henry’s assist record in one half if we could finish
Chelsea continue their impressive form under Potter
Potter started his tenure as Chelsea boss with a 1-1 draw with RB Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League on September 14.
Potter's arrival at Chelsea led to many fans wondering if he is the right man to turnaround things at Stamford Bridge. However, the English tactician has made a positive start in west London and Chelsea now look like a team that many in the league will fear playing against.
The sorry start to the campaign they encountered under former manager Thomas Tuchel looks to have been put behind them.
A last-gasp 2-1 win over Crystal Palace came after the draw with Salzburg, with the Blues showing their determination to fight till the final whistle.
Potter's men followed that victory with their most impressive performance to date in a 3-0 mauling of reigning Serie A champions AC Milan.
Today's performance was similarly superb and it bodes well for the club, who are eyeing a successful season under Potter's watch.
Next up for the Blues is a trip to the San Siro to face Milan in the reverse fixture of their Champions League. Both teams are currently level on points (4) in Group E.