Chelsea off the mark in the Champions League with comfortable win over AC Milan

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates (Adam Davy/PA)

Goalscorer Fofana then hobbled out of the night with that injury concern, with Trevoh Chalobah thrust into the fray.

The hosts dominated the half but almost fell prey to a last-minute sucker punch.

Long-term Blues target Rafael Leao jinked into the box and fired in a low shot that Kepa could only parry back into the danger area. Rade Krunic raced on and let fly, only for Ben Chilwell to produce a vital block to deny what would surely otherwise have been a Milan equaliser.

Aubameyang quickly doubled Chelsea’s lead in the second half, applying a facile finish to James’ cross.

Milan’s defending doubtless left much to be desired, but Chelsea cannot overvalue the presence of a central striker lurking in front of goal.

Romelu Lukaku struggled last term in not only finding such threatening central positions but also receiving the requisite service to deliver the goal demand.

Aubameyang’s two goals in consecutive appearances both fit the clinical bill, and all in west London will hope this return proves merely the start.

Chelsea refused to sit back and admire their situation, with the hosts seemingly aware of the need for a statement to rubber-stamp Potter’s arrival.

James’ finish quickly sealed that deal, and in some style. The marauding wing-back powered into the box and unleashed an unstoppable, rising effort that flew in at the near post.