Why Reece James got angry with Emre Can as Graham Potter finally enjoys his Chelsea moment

Chelsea booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals by overcoming Borussia Dortmund 2-1 on aggregate last night at Stamford Bridge

Potter’s important night

Graham Potter needed a statement win as Chelsea head coach; a result that gave credence to the idea he is the right man to oversee the long-term vision of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. Last night at Stamford Bridge, he got it.

It wasn’t so much the performance: Chelsea were good for large spells but also ceded too much of the individual in the second period. What was to Potter’s credit were the big calls he made all paid off.

The 47-year-old opted to stick with the back three despite not having Thiago Silva or Benoit Badiashile available. He also decided to select Marc Cucurella as the left centre-back despite having the reliable Trevoh Chalobah, who played in the role during a loan spell at Lorient, to call upon.

Both were decisions that paid off. Cucurella was excellent in the Chelsea backline. The Spaniard was aggressive in his defending and confident in his distribution. His versatility also enabled Ben Chilwell to maraud constantly from left wing-back.

The past 14 months have not been easy for Chilwell. He has had to battle back from ACL surgery and a hamstring injury suffered prior to the World Cup. It’s taken some time for the England international to get back up to speed but he is now at full strength and a huge weapon for Chelsea and Potter.

There were countless other impressive performances. Wesley Fofana once again looked assured. Kalidou Koulibaly the same in the heart of the back three. Reece James wasn’t quite as devastating in attack as Chelsea supporters have become accustomed to, but he was his usually combative self.

That was highlighted midway through the second half as he became embroiled in a angry exchange with Emre Can on the touchline during a break in play - the academy graduate even cheekily squirted water in the direction of the German during the spat

Havertz the nine

The past few weeks have not been easy for Kai Havertz - nor, admittedly, the team as a whole. The German has been tasked with leading the Chelsea attack and has not always found it easy. One goal in his previous eight matches was testament to that. Yet against Dortmund, he was outstanding.