Raheem Sterling has revealed that Reece James has promised to provide him with chances after netting a brace against Leicester City.
The 27-year-old netted his first goal for the Blues in the second half after Conor Gallagher was dismissed for two yellow cards.
The England international stepped up against Leicester in Gallagher's absence, taking on a shot on the edge of the box which defelcted off Daniel Amartey and over Danny Ward.
Sterling added a second later, getting onto a fabulous cross from James to convert and double Chelsea's lead.
Advert
Harvey Barnes halved the deficit but Chelsea held firm to come out 2-1 victors with 10 men.
Speaking after the match, Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel heaped praise on Sterling after bringing him in from Manchester City
The German believed that Sterling showed just why Chelsea made him their priority in the summer window.
He said: “It was needed. We need him to score, it’s what he does and he will score.
"I could feel he wasn’t happy, he wants to score more and have more chances. So we played in a more aggressive shape in the first half for 25 minutes and then we are a man down, so we needed him to step up.
"He did and he did what he always does. He will score, I’m convinced, and he will create chances. The goals were crucial today because they gave us belief and the boost that it was possible. They were responsible for the win."
Sterling was delighted with his goals, leaving the pitch with a grin on his face as Chelsea recorded their first home victory of the season.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Sterling opened up on the goals and revealed that James has promised to set him up for many more goals this season.
"I tried to stay at the edge of the box, have a shot (for the first goal)," he said.
"I had a bit of luck.
"Reece told me he'd put one on a plate for me, he's been telling me since I got here!
"We got a two-goal advantage and defended well."
Chelsea face Southampton on Tuesday, with Sterling looking to push forward and add to his brace against Leicester.
Topics: Chelsea, Raheem Sterling, Reece James, Football, Premier League, Leicester City
Nick Emms