Chelsea recorded their first win in this season’s Champions League group stages after an emphatic 3-0 win over Italian Champions AC Milan.
The win over AC Milan takes Chelsea to second in Group E but on the same points as third-place AC Milan. RB Salzburg now tops Group E with five points.
Chelsea legend Joe Cole has heaped praises on Chelsea after their impressive all-time performance to defeat Italian Champions AC Milan 3-0. The former England midfielder also singled out Chelsea right-wing-back Reece James for praise after scoring and providing an assist against AC Milan.
What did Joe Cole say?
Speaking on CBS Sports, The former Chelsea and England midfielder said: “There was a massive gulf in class between the two teams tonight. It was a routine win for Chelsea.
“It was very disappointing from Milan actually because they threw the towel in towards the end of the goal. That won’t sit well with Milan fans.
“But Chelsea were great, Reece James was sublime all night, there are not enough superlatives for that man.
“It was so routine for Chelsea. To do that to an AC Milan shows we’re going in the right direction so I’m absolutely delighted.”
Former Chelsea Eniola Aluko also praised Reece James for showing composure to score Chelsea’s third goal of the night.
Reacting to Reece James’s goal, Eniola Aluko said: “Reece James is so smart with his goal.
“He waits for the overlap to happen, and the strike is great. It’s such an intelligent finish. He was the best player on the pitch in the second half.”
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has also praised Chelsea’s progress in their win against AC Milan.
Rio Ferdinand said: “There was pressure on Chelsea tonight because they haven’t been great in the Champions League. You have to get the points on the board at home.
“They didn’t just win, they were even able to rest some players towards the end ahead of this weekend’s game.
“Momentum is key and they’re starting to build that I think. The crowd will be happy with what they saw today. It’s another step in the right direction.”
Chelsea manager Graham Potter also shared his delight in Chelsea defeating AC Milan. But also warned his team to stay focused ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game and the return fixture against AC Milan at the San Siro.
Potter said: “I’m the coach of Chelsea, and you’ve got to make sure you’re professional and prepare the team as well as you can and stay in the game and focus on the game.
“Obviously, as a human being, Chelsea versus AC Milan is a fantastic football match and to be involved in it is something I’m grateful for. To win the match is great. We need to recover now and go again at the weekend and get ready for Tuesday.”
