'Madueke is on, Chukwuemeka is an attacking sub' - Potter defends his substitutions v Leeds 

Chelsea boss Graham Potter defended his substitutions in the wake of criticisms from fans and pundits  during and after his side's 1-0 win over Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

The Blues ended their six-match winless run thanks to Wesley Fofana, who rose highest and nodded home in the 53rd minute.

Potter made use of his five substitutes, bringing on Conor Gallagher, Denis Zakaria, Carney Chukwuemeka, Trevoh Chalobah and Noni Madueke, with Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Enzo Fernandez making way.

A section of the Chelsea fanbase viewed Potter's substitutions as defensive and expressed their frustration.

But the English football tactician defended his changes by saying that Super Eagles-eligible duo Noni Madueke and Carney Chukwuemeka were attacking subs and added that Raheem Sterling was substituted out as he was being managed after his return from injury.

In quotes relayed by Football. London, Potter said : "Noni Madueke is on. Carney [Chukwuemeka] is an attacking sub. There were different profiles.

"Raheem [Sterling] is coming back from an injury so we had to make those decisions. The game got stretched and I wanted us to attack but as soon as you miss the opportunity, you need to be stable.

"We wanted to score the second goal but, at the same time, it was a game against one of the best teams in terms of high intensity in the Premier League.

"So if the game becomes Hawaii football, up and down, then it can be a challenge."

Chukwuemeka made his ninth Premier League appearance for Chelsea against Leeds United, and Madueke his fourth following his move from PSV Eindhoven in the January transfer window.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com

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