Kai Havertz played a crucial part in both goals at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea recorded a vital 2-0 victory over their top-four rivals Everton on Monday night.
The German’s shot was deflected into the net by Ben Godfrey to give the Blues the lead in the first half. The 21-year-old then drew a penalty in the second half which Jorginho converted to move the Blues four points clear of their opponents in fourth place.
Germans running the show in London
Thomas Tuchel became the first manager ever in the Premier League to record five clean sheets in their first five home matches and the German was impressed by his fellow countryman Havertz who started for the first time under his management.
Tuchel said: ‘He was very fluid and very good in between the lines. he helped us get control of the ball offensively and he accelerated the game for us.
‘He used his body well and it was a strong performance from him and I’m very happy because I have no doubts about his talent or his character.
‘We want him to fully use his potential, to give us more touches in the box, to have assists or to score a goal.
‘It is the Premier League and he will adapt but he needs to show the hunger like he did today and he does in training.’
Chelsea given a helping hand
The game started off very cagey as the visitors frustrated the Blues in the middle of the pitch.
However, the hosts capitalised on the first lapse in concentration from the Toffees. Marcos Alonso crept into the box before setting up Havertz to strike and his shot took a wicked deflection off Godfrey which wrong-footed Jordan Pickford to give Chelsea the lead.
Soon after Everton almost scored a second own goal this time through Michael Keane who attempted to stop Alonso. However, he inadvertently played the ball towards goal but his blushes were spared by Pickford who palmed wide despite being off balance.
Havertz sparkles in False-Nine role
Following the break, the hosts began to dominate and Havertz thought he had marked his return to the squad with a goal. However, he was adjudged to have handled the ball prior to his superb finish meaning it was disallowed.
In a rare attack for the visitors, Richarlison spurned a golden opportunity to equalise skewing his shot wide of the near post when through on goal.
Instead the Blues doubled their advantage and Havertz was again at the heart of the play by drawing a foul from Pickford in the box. Jorginho stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot to put Chelsea in full control.
Despite giving away the penalty the Toffees had Pickford to thank for keeping the score down as the Englishman produced two one-on-one saves up against Timo Werner as well as denying N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount from distance late on.
The win ensures Chelsea remain in the Champions League spots and stay two points clear of London rivals West Ham having played one extra game.
Meanwhile, Everton fall to sixth position but like the Hammers the Toffees have a game in hand on the Blues to try and close the gap on the fourth position.
