Chelsea star Mason Mount has admitted he has been the subject of taunting from his Blues team-mates after he picked up another man of the match award.
Graham Potter's side came from behind at home against Dinamo Zagreb to run out 2-1 winners and seal their status as group winners. Having gone 1-0 down in the seventh minute courtesy of Bruno Petkovic's goal, strikes from Raheem Sterling and Denis Zakaria were enough to spare the Blues' blushes.
Mount was deployed in a deeper role than he is traditionally used to and clearly caught the eye having been named official UEFA Player of the Match. However, the midfielder conceded he was surprised by this and offered up an alternative winner.
"We changed the formation a little bit," Mount discussed. "It allowed me to drift and connect the midfield, and get forward as well. I felt good. It was a nice position for me.
"When I look at a game the negatives stick out in my head, and I gave the ball away too much. That’s how I am, that’s what I think about after the game, but I did some good bits as well, so I’ll take it.
"The lads have been battering me the last couple of games I’ve got man of the match as they don’t think I deserved it, but today I don’t think I deserve it!
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"Denis Zakaria came in and was unbelievable. He deserves man of the match more than me, and he scored as well. To step up after not playing, and starting the game, was brilliant."
Mount's glowing assessment of his teammate was echoed by boss Potter who also heaped praise on Zakaria, a figure who has looked like he'd fail to make the grade at times during his Chelsea loan.
"I thought he was really good," the manager added. "You can see what he brings, the quality he has and he played with enthusiasm. He had good discipline and got forward when he could.
"I was really impressed with him. He certainly did more than we asked which was to give us competition there.
"He did everything he could. He helped the team and scored – a great debut."
Chelsea have a sterner test awaiting them just around the corner when high-flying Arsenal visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. The Gunners currently sit two points clear at the top of the table with a 10-point advantage over the Blues.
