Potter’s three attempts at solving James conundrum

A trio of players used to cover wing-back role at Villa Park — and Chelsea stutter to victory

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Aston Villa    0

Chelsea         2

Mount 6, 65

GRAHAM POTTER and Chelsea faced up to the absence of Reece James against Aston Villa and it was not pretty.

Claiming all three points in a 2-0 win at Villa Park was job done for the Blues.

But this was their worst performance so far under Potter and, without their injured right wing-back, they needed an outstanding display in goal from Kepa Arrizabalaga.

James is facing eight weeks out with the knee problem he suffered against AC Milan in the Champions League last week. He will spend the next four weeks on crutches, his World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread and he will not play for Chelsea again until after Christmas.

With N'Golo Kante increasingly injury-prone, James had stepped up to become Chelsea's most important player. His energy, goals and assists have made him arguably the world's best in his position. Indeed, eight goals and 13 assists since the start of the 2021-22 season mark him out as one of the best attacking forces in the Premier League.