Denis Zakaria’s debut goal and impressive performance against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night has left Graham Potter with a tricky decision to make for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
The Blues won 2-1 in their final game in Group E in the Champions League against the Croatian side and the Swiss midfielder played a vital role.
Potter’s side found themselves a goal behind after just seven minutes when Bruno Petkovic headed the visitors into a surprise lead.
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Chelsea responded quickly though, Raheem Sterling got his name on the scoresheet to draw the west London outfit level.
30 minutes into the match and Zakaria had his moment, the ball fell back to him on the edge of the box and he made no mistake.
He fired a strike into the bottom corner and buried his first goal in a Chelsea shirt as the hosts went onto win the game and take all three points.
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Since signing on loan from Juventus, Zakaria had not played a minute for his new club prior to Wednesday night.
It was an excellent first cameo for the 25-year-old in what could be a pivotal moment for his career with the London club.
The result saw Chelsea make it five games in a row in the Champions League without defeat and after the heavy loss to Brighton at the weekend, a win was much needed.
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Following the game, Mason Mount, who picked up the Man of the Match award for his impressive display, touched upon Zakaria’s performance.
Speaking to the official Chelsea website he said: “He 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. I’m very happy for him to get this opportunity and to do so well.”
It was a massive moment for the midfielder, and with Chelsea now looking ahead to the weekend for their clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal, he will have hopes to be included again.
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He has certainly left his boss with a big decision to make after such a good display.
At full-time, Potter spoke to BT Sport, handing Zakaria plenty of praise. He said: “He was really good. You can see what he brings, the quality he has. Played with enthusiasm. Really pleased for him.
“He certainly did what we asked. He did everything he could, showed his quality, helped the team, scored, great debut.”
Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Champions League, Arsenal, Football
Matthew Debono