EPL: Real reason I took out Havertz, Cucurella against Aston Villa – Potter

Chelsea manager, Graham Potter has said his decision to make a double substitution at half-time of their 2-0 win at Aston Villa was purely tactical.

The Blues went into the break one goal up after Mason Mount pounced on Tryone Mings’ error.

Chelsea had to deal with a lot of pressure, with Kepa Arrizabalaga producing a string of fine saves.

Potter decided to change things up before the second half, taking off both Marc Cucurella and Kai Havertz and bringing on Kalidou Koulibaly and Cesar Azpilicueta as he switched to a flat back five.

When asked about the changes, Potter told ChelseaTV after the game: “It was more tactical.

“I thought we had to probably be a back five, more so, and be a bit stronger in the midfield area so we just had to adjust it.

“Sometimes [changes] go for you, sometimes they don’t. Credit to the players, they’re all ready to fight, they’re all ready to help the team.”