It is a substitution Graham Potter has opted to make in each of Chelsea's previous three matches – and it is hardly a like-for-like change. The mercurial Joao Felix off; the indefatigable Conor Gallagher on. It hasn't exactly been difficult to deduce Potter's thought process.
Against Leeds United, Gallagher was introduced in the 68th minute. Chelsea held a one-goal lead and that needed desperate protection given previous results. The academy graduate provided that as he shut down space, closed down opponents, and chased down lost causes.
It was a repeat scenario three days later when Borussia Dortmund visited Stamford Bridge in the Champions League. Potter's side had overturned a first-leg deficit to lead the tie 2-1. It was a slender advantage that needed defending. So the Chelsea head coach once again turned to Gallagher.
