Chukwuemeka makes statement to Graham Potter as Chelsea win friendly

Chelsea fans react to Thomas Tuchel sacking

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Chelsea teenager Carney Chukwuemeka took his chance to impress new boss Graham Potter this weekend as he scored twice in a behind-closed-doors friendly win over Brighton. Chukwuemeka is yet to make a senior appearance for the Blues after arriving from Aston Villa this summer. 

Brighton and Chelsea came together on Saturday in an effort to stay sharp and fit after both of their Premier League fixtures were called off. The Seagulls’ clash with rivals Crystal Palace was postponed due to rail strikes while Chelsea’s showdown with Liverpool didn’t go ahead in the wake of the Queen’s death. 

With the international break just around the corner, Potter was understandably keen to see more of his new side in action after leaving Brighton to replace Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge in a compensation deal worth over £20million. 

A speedy return to the Amex Stadium, which he left only last week, saw a host of fringe players fielded including Trevoh Chalobah, Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Chukwuemeka. 

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It was the latter who came up with the goods on the south coast, notching twice in front of Potter in a 2-1 win. Chukwuemeka’s brace presents a strong case for him to make his first-team debut once Chelsea return to competitive action on October 2 against Crystal Palace. 

Chukwuemeka was in and around the senior side under Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa last campaign, making 11 Premier League appearances and establishing himself for England U19s. He refused to sign new terms at Villa Park, opening the door for Chelsea to swoop in with a lucrative contract offer and a £20m transfer fee. 

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The behind-closed-doors performance will have presented Potter with food for thought over the two-week break, with only one competitive match under his belt as Chelsea boss. A draw at home to underdogs RB Salzburg in the Champions League certainly wasn’t the fairytale start the 47-year-old wanted with doubters questioning whether he has the pedigree to cut it at the top level. 

Tuchel and Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly oversaw a world-record spend this summer with Wesley Fofana, Raheem Sterling and Marc Cucurella bumping up a final bill that totalled over £250m. The Blues are supposedly ready to give Potter time, regardless of what he achieves this season, having put together a successful project on the south coast with Brighton. 

“We’re frustrated with just one point [against Salzburg] but I thought the application of the players was fantastic,” Potter told reporters on Wednesday. “They gave everything and I was very proud of how they acted today.

“It’s not been easy for them either. You know, a change of coach and all that comes with that, but their response has been brilliant. They’ve acted really well; professional, honest, responsible. So from an effort perspective, it was absolutely 100 per cent there.”

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