Chelsea’s next six Premier League fixtures compared to Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City

Chelsea came from behind to pick up their first win of Graham Potter’s reign as manager thanks to goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Conor Gallagher.

The Blues found themselves a goal down inside 10 minutes at Selhurst Park after Odsonne Edouard converted for the hosts.

A clever finish on the spin from Aubameyang brought Chelsea back into the game before half-time, but it wasn’t until stoppage time that the west Londoners would find a winner.

Gallagher came off the bench to seal all three points for Potter’s side, scoring a brilliant goal from range against his former side. The Chelsea boss was ‘delighted’ for the English midfielder and his entire team following the win, with focus swiftly changing to Champions League action once again with Chelsea hosting Serie A champions AC Milan on Wednesday.

Speaking after the 2-1 win against the Eagles, Potter said: “I am delighted for Conor, delighted for the team, delighted for the substitutes that they could come on and have an impact. That is what you want. You want players that are disappointed and frustrated because they want to play, of course, but that they show that in a good way and are ready to help when they come on the pitch.

“I thought we had a good response in that regard. The group has been really good from the start and I am delighted for Conor, it’s a fantastic strike. He has a lot of respect for Crystal Palace, you can see that from his reaction. But he’s a Chelsea player now and it was a great goal for us.”

Chelsea have started to close the gap to the likes of Tottenham after the win against Palace, but wins for Arsenal and Man City mean the distance to the top of the table remains the same. So, with some more tough tests on the horizon, Football London compares the Blues’ next five games with their rivals at the top of the table.

Wolves (H) – October 8

Wolves have won just once in their opening eight Premier League fixtures after a change in system but still have the players capable of causing an upset against Chelsea. Ex-Blues striker Diego Costa could be in line to start against his former side and may come back to haunt them in Potter’s first Premier League home game in charge.

Chelsea drew 2-2 in the same fixture last season as a quick-fire double from Romelu Lukaku was cancelled out with two late goals from the visitors.

Wolves took the decision to sack manager Bruno Lage on Sunday afternoon, and the team will be hoping they can bounce back from a poor run of form next time out at Stamford Bridge.

Aston Villa (A) – October 16

Villa have had an indifferent start to the season, but again, pose a tricky test for Potter’s side with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Philippe Coutinho and Leon Bailey set to threaten for Steven Gerrard’s side. Villa Park is never an easy place to pick up a result, but Potter will be hoping his side head into the game full of confidence and in good form to try and come out on top.

Brentford (A) – October 19

Brentford have already picked up a 4-0 win against Manchester United this season and star striker Ivan Toney is always going to be a key threat. The Blues won’t be able to afford any mistakes against the Bees but a second away game just days after their trip to Villa could prove to be a difficult test.

Manchester United (H) – October 22

Potter’s first top-six clash in charge of Chelsea comes against United at Stamford Bridge. The atmosphere will be electric and the Blues will be hoping to feed off that and pick up a statement win after Erik ten Hag’s side also turned a corner of late.

This fixture ended as a 1-1 draw last season after Jorginho scored a penalty to cancel out Jadon Sancho’s opener for the visitors. Chelsea will be hoping to close the gap at the top of the table with a run of good results and pick up a minimum of 13 points from 15 available.

Brighton (A) – October 29

Graham Potter will return to the south coast and take on his former side Brighton as Chelsea boss for the first time since replacing Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge. The Seagulls started life without Potter by picking up a brilliant 3-3 draw against Liverpool at Anfield as Leandro Trossard, linked with a move to the Blues, scored a stunning hat-trick.

Marc Cucurella will also be returning to Brighton for the first time since leaving in the summer, whilst Potter will be hoping he comes back to haunt Brighton and can take all three points against his former side.

Arsenal (H) – November 6

A London Derby is on the horizon as the Blues host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in early November. It will be their penultimate Premier League game before the mid-season break for the winter World Cup, with Potter hopeful his side can go into it with his side in ideal form.

The Gunners have looked unstoppable in most of their games this season though, sitting top of the league after just eight games. Chelsea will have to be in top form to come out on top, with Mikel Arteta’s men playing at top gear in the early stages of the season.

Arsenal’s next six fixtures:

Liverpool (H) – October 9
Leeds United (A) – October 16
Southampton (A) – October 23
Nottingham Forest (H) – October 30
Chelsea (A) – November 6
Wolves (A) – November 12

Tottenham’s next six fixtures:

Brighton (A) – October 8
Everton (H) – October 15
Manchester United (A) – October 19
Newcastle United (H) – October 23
Bournemouth (A) – October 29
Liverpool (H) – November 6

Manchester City’s next six fixtures:

Southampton (A) – October 8
Liverpool (A) – October 16
Brighton (H) – October 22
Leicester City (A) – October 29
Fulham (H) – November 5
Brentford (H) – November 12