Graham Potter has only been the Chelsea manager for a matter of months, but he’s already faced the true tests and turmoil that come with the job.
He arrived at Stamford Bridge in September on a wave of optimism, hoping to steady the ship that was rocked by the departure of Thomas Tuchel.
Whilst Potter was not everyone’s primary pick for the position, his work at Brighton & Hove Albion at least provided a platform of positivity.
That encouragement continued all the way until the end of October.
Chelsea remained unbeaten in their new coach’s first nine games at the helm, winning five on the spin in the middle of the purple patch.
The sun over Stamford Bridge quickly dried up, however.
A downpour of bad results flooded the club, leaving Potter in a pressurised situation ahead of the resumption of domestic football post-World Cup.
His team need a turnaround of seismic proportions to ensure the campaign does not shrink into total darkness.
Not only that, but performances must improve to guarantee that Lewis Hall’s rise is not forgotten.
Lewis Hall: the young hero of Cobham
Hall has been one of the brightest patches of Potter’s short reign and a credit to Chelsea.
The 18-year-old is now very much a member of the senior squad, after flirting with Thomas Tuchel’s pack last season.
He has started twice under Potter this term, both times arguably outperforming any of his more experienced co-workers.
His performance against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup was especially eye-catching and should’ve been topped off with a goal.
Just three days later, Hall earned his Premier League debut away to Newcastle United.
Although the tie ended in defeat, the defender once again sent a message to the watching world that there is plenty more to come.
With Chelsea’s World Cup stars nearly all back at Cobham, the teenager might have to wait a little while for his next appearance.
Yet, there is no doubt that Hall is at least the future of Chelsea, if not the present.
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