Why Graham Potter is cautious over too many Chelsea changes amid hopes of consistency

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter has revealed why he is cautious to make a lot of changes to his side as he looks for consistent performances.

The 47-year-old registered his first win in his Premier League debut for Chelsea.

After 23 days in charge, Potter finally took charge of his first match in the league for Chelsea - a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

The triumph was Potter's first over the London side in eight attempts, including seven matches with their rivals Brighton and Hove Albion.

5 Things Learned: Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea | Premier League

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang firing past Vicente Guaita. (Alamy)

Odsonne Edouard netted the opener, a brilliant finish past Kepa Arrizabalaga after a fine Jordan Ayew cross.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bagged his first goal since returning to the Premier League, doing well to turn and finish from inside the box.

A late Conor Gallagher strike saw Chelsea come away with all three points, firing past his former teammate Vicente Guaita on his return to Selhurst Park after an impressive loan spell last season.

Player Ratings: Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea | Premier League

Despite the substitute scoring, Potter admitted that he believes that he must be careful when making changes in order to keep the consistency.

Speaking after the win, he said: "You need to be careful with change because things have to be consistent.

"How we play is consistent but at the same time, we have 12 matches in six-and-a-bit weeks, so it will be difficult to keep consistency."

Potter made two changes from his first selection against FC Salzburg, bringing in Wesley Fofana for Cesar Azpilicueta, while he was forced to play Ben Chilwell ahead of Marc Cucurella due to illness.

Chelsea will face AC Milan in midweek as the Blues play no less than 13 matches in October as they look to compete on all fronts.

The victory against Crystal Palace was the perfect start for Potter in the Premier League, but now he must look to recover Chelsea's poor start in the Champions League.

Conor Gallagher celebrating his goal against Crystal Palace. (Alamy)

A loss to Dinamo Zagreb was followed up by a draw to FC Salzburg to see Chelsea sit bottom of their group on one point.

Back-to-back Champions League games against AC Milan will no doubt be a tough ask for the Blues as they look to qualify from the group.

It remains to be seen as to what Chelsea can achieve under Potter this season.

The win in his Premier League debut for the Blues provides something to build on as Chelsea ented a congested fixture period ahead of the 2022 World Cup.