Issued on: 08/03/2021 – 23:52
London (AFP)
Chelsea strengthened their maintain on fourth place within the Premier League as Kai Havertz impressed a significant 2-0 win over Everton, whereas West Ham boosted their shock top four problem with a 2-0 victory in opposition to Leeds on Monday.
Havertz has endured a disappointing first season following his £70 million ($96 million) transfer from Bayer Leverkusen final yr.
But the Germany ahead was given a uncommon begin by Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and he responded by taking part in the important thing function in each objectives at Stamford Bridge.
Havertz’s shot was deflected into the Everton internet for a Ben Godfrey personal purpose within the first half.
The 21-year-old has not scored within the league since October, however Tuchel entrusted him with an necessary function as Chelsea’s false 9 and Havertz’s clever motion put him in place to earn the second-half penalty that Jorginho transformed.
“I’m very blissful together with his efficiency, little question about his high quality, his expertise and in addition his character,” Tuchel mentioned.
“He must adapt to the Premier League, he must be at a membership the place you play to win each sport, the place the very best requirements are regular.
“That’s a traditional course of for him to adapt to this mentality.”
Chelsea are unbeaten in 11 video games in all competitions — successful eight occasions — since Tuchel changed the sacked Frank Lampard in January.
They are two factors forward of fifth positioned West Ham, who’ve a sport in hand in a tense race to qualify for subsequent season’s Champions League by way of a top four end.
The Blues have stored 9 clean-sheets below Tuchel and solely their former Italian boss Maurizio Sarri, who went 12 video games unbeaten, has loved a greater begin with the west London membership.
“If you share particular moments and good outcomes, that is the factor that lifts you up to the particular performances you want,” Tuchel mentioned.
“I can really feel a powerful bond between the gamers within the dressing room. I really feel optimistic vitality from everybody across the group. We want this to have a run like this.”
– Lingard shines –
Sixth positioned Everton are four factors behind Chelsea after their first away defeat since November.
“They performed higher than us,” Everton supervisor Carlo Ancelotti mentioned. “Once they scored it was harder. We are disillusioned, however not an excessive amount of.”
West Ham’s sudden bid to complete within the top four gathered tempo with a assured dismantling of Leeds on the London Stadium.
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa might need recognized it wasn’t going to be his night time when his aspect had two early objectives disallowed.
Tyler Roberts’ effort was dominated out for offside in opposition to Helder Costa earlier than Patrick Bamford netted from Raphinha’s cut-back, just for replays to point out the ball had gone over the touchline earlier than the cross.
West Ham took the lead within the twenty first minute after Luke Ayling tripped Jesse Lingard within the space.
Lingard took the penalty and though Illan Meslier saved his shot, the on-loan Manchester United midfielder snapped up the rebound.
West Ham doubled their benefit seven minutes later when Craig Dawson was left unmarked to move in Aaron Cresswell’s nook.
David Moyes’ aspect have been battling relegation at this stage of final season.
But they’ve received four of their final six league video games to go away Hammers followers dreaming of a spot in Europe’s elite membership competitors.
“We are doing very well and having an excellent season. It may very well be an amazing season,” Moyes mentioned.
“I’m not saying we’ll end within the top four however we have to cling in and see what we are able to do.”
© 2021 AFP
