Potter's first Chelsea game ended in a 1-1 draw against Salzburg

LONDON (AP) — Graham Potter’s first game as Chelsea manager ended in a 1-1 draw at home to Salzburg in the Champions League on Wednesday as the England side faced a daunting task of advancing out of the group. .

Raheem Sterling was deployed as an attacking left winger in an early tactical call by Potter and scored a fine finish to give Chelsea the lead in the 48th minute at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea failed to put away a number of half-chances and were forced to pay by the Austrian champions who equalized in the 75th inning by Noah Okafor.

After losing 0-1 to Dinamo Zagreb last week, Chelsea are on one point from their first two games in Group E before heading into back-to-back games against AC Milan after the international break.

Salzburg drew both games 1-1.

Potter made his first Champions League experience as a coach after taking over from Thomas Tuchel last week. He used a number of formations in the shape-shifting Chelsea set-up, highlighting his tactical flexibility.

Thiago Silva, the 37-year-old Brazilian centre-back, always came under pressure behind the system, slipping just before completing one of his many slide tackles, allowing Salzburg to go right for goal. I made it.

Ultimately, Chelsea ran into many of the same problems that had plagued Tuchel at the club in recent weeks. It also included failure to gel in the last third of the time, despite the fact that

Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesco had the only shot on target in a dull first half, forcing Kepa Arrizabalaga to make a solid save.

The interval calmed the hosts down and a convincing move resulted in a breakthrough almost immediately.

Reece James rotated the marker and ran down the right before leaving Mason Mount free and the England midfielder sent an early ball into the box.

Salzburg missed an opportunity to clear and Sterling pounced on a loose ball at the far post, took a steady touch and curled gently into the far corner.

Salzburg pressed and Okafor approached with a flick header, but Kepa had a sharp shot.

Chelsea always looked unsettled after losing the ball, and that instability took its toll when Salzburg lost the pace and punished the hosts with an Okafor equalizer.

After skillful breaks from Armando Brocha and Sterling, Philipp Kohn produced a point-blank save from Hakim Ziyech in the closing minutes to prevent Chelsea from winning.

“We are disappointed with this result,” said Potter. “I thought the boys gave everything.

“They were good in character and adaptability. We will get better.”

The game was preceded by a minute’s silence in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, who died last week at the age of 96.

Salzburg fans walked in silence from a nearby tube station to Stamford Bridge as a sign of respect for the Queen.

Salzburg tweeted: “In this time of grief, we remain united with the British people.

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