March 4th 2023.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) Pressure was lightened for Potter due to their 1-0 triumph
Graham Potter has expressed his appreciation for Wesley Fofana after his match-winning goal against Leeds United, saying that the Chelsea defender has been a 'significant miss' this season.
The Blues finally got their first Premier League victory on Saturday after the former Leicester City defender, who had been brought in to replace the injured Thiago Silva, headed in the only goal of the game in the early stages of the second half.
Fofana has only started in five league games this season, but he proved instrumental in securing the three points for the hosts.
‘Wesley Fofana has been a major absence for us,’ Potter stated to BBC Sport. ‘He is physical, fearless with the ball and does what he does best in the box which is attacking the ball. It provided us with the win.’
Ben Chiwell’s cross played a role in giving Chelsea the winning goal, with the defender having gone through a season that was plagued by injuries.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) His header gave the Blues the win
The England international is now back in the team, having started four of their last four matches, and Potter is well aware of his impact.
He said in his post-game press conference: ‘It’s what I’ve been mentioning lately and it really doesn’t matter when you’re not winning.
‘But Wesley, Ben [Chilwell], Raheem [Sterling], you are all developing these guys in the Premier League. Ben has gotten stronger and stronger as the weeks have gone on and I thought today he had an immense effect on the game.’
Despite the victory, Chelsea remain in 10th place, but Potter believes this could be the start of a turnaround.
‘It is [massive]. I am elated for the players and supporters. We have had to go through some tough times. I thought we played well in the first half and attacked well. We were a squad that had something to lose, so it was great character from the players as they showed togetherness. It gives us something to base our future on.’
MORE : Graham Potter must call upon John Terry amid Chelsea crisis, says Paul Merson
MORE : Chelsea confirm Reece James will not feature in Leeds clash due to hamstring injury
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