Lewis hall reception
It was an impressive performance from Lewis Hall on Wednesday evening, and one which deserved applause as the youngster made his second start for Chelsea. The 18-year-old showed unbelievable confidence on the Blues' left flank, and it's telling of his quality that he will be disappointed to not have sealed his appearance with a goal.
Nevertheless, as he was substituted in the 75th minute against Man City, the youngster departed the pitch on the opposite side to the dugout.
As he made his way around the goal line he received chants from Chelsea's away following of 'Lewis, Lewis Hall'. Graham Potter diverted his technical area patrol to greet the youngster as he made it to the dugout and clasped hands, before every member of Chelsea's bench - coach and player alike - made a note to congratulate the development squad star on his performance. Well deserved.
READ MORE: Trevoh Chalobah on World Cup chance, Lewis Hall and the importance of Newcastle for Chelsea
Mason Mount plays peace-maker
With Chelsea two goals down and their chance of getting back into the game looking slim, it would have been easy for the game to simply peter out. Not on Cesar Azpilicueta's watch.
The Blues' captain, who spent time playing as a wing-back as Ruben Loftus-Cheek settled into the back three late on, showed some attacking intent and also a bit of grit. Jack Grealish felt every bit of it.
As the ball was played into the feet of the Man City star, Azpilicueta went straight through the back of him in a rough challenge. Play was waved on for the minute as the home side's attack continued and as Azpilicueta tracked back, Grealish was sure to give him a nudge in return for his indiscretion.
The Spaniard did not take too kindly to that as the pair came together, chests out and anger in their eyes. Mason Mount, who can be feisty in his own right at times, came to place his body in between both not looking to antagonise the situation further. The 23-year-old perhaps very aware he was in between his club captain and a player he may be spending the next month around at the World Cup. Regardless, Mount ensured it was only yellow cards that appeared for pair.
Graham Potter and Pep Guardiola's secret conversation
It's often difficult to tell how sincere the words of a football coach may be within the confines of a press conference, but going into the Carabao Cup third round clash, Pep Guardiola spoke of his admiration for Potter. The former Barcelona boss rates what the 47-year-old did at Brighton and expects him come good for the Blues too.
He said: "If Chelsea accept my humble advice, give him time and he will do well. They got good results but the way they play, when I saw the game against Brighton that they lost, I saw many things I remember from his period in Brighton. He needs time, everybody needs time. No one has success from day one or two, I’ve a lot of admiration for his work. What he did at Brighton was beyond exceptional and I’m pretty sure with time he will do a good job, I don’t have any doubts. He is one of the best managers from my point of view, we have in this league."
Many might consider the words meaningless but the coaching duo spent a significant time talking away from the cameras in the corridors of the Etihad Stadium. It was not simply an exchange of platitudes but a lively, backs against the wall discussion with Guardiola in particular speaking with lots of enthusiasm and gesturing as they waited for the players to depart the changing rooms and the ground.
The interaction appeared sincere and full of respect, and given Guardiola's own difficult first season implementing his vision in the North West, perhaps he had a pearly of wisdom or two to share.
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