Kai Havertz’s lofty support fixed Chelsea’s grasp on a top-four finish in the English Premier League as the Blues developed Fulham’s relegation worries with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Havertz Magical Play Was Worth Watching
The Germany forward multiplied his league count for the campaign with a goal in every half in a praiseworthy presentation of play in the “false nine” role. Fourth-put Chelsea opened up a six-point gap on West Ham in fifth after its third win in four matches. West Ham’s game in hand is at Burnley on Monday. Chelsea’s eighteenth clean sheet under Thomas Tuchel set the bedrock for another fundamental victory, with Real Madrid pitching up at Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday. The teams are at 1-1. Havertz was given a role as prompt King’s Road royalty the second he showed up in west London the previous summer in a major cash switch from Bayer Leverkusen, however this was the day the talented 21-year-old forward finally made his imprint.
On occasion in this debut campaign, Havertz’s regular languid style bumped in the midst of his protracted recovery from the coronavirus and his quest for his Stamford Bridge specialty. However, against Fulham, Havertz stood apart with his development off the ball, capacity under lock and key, and quiet finishing as Chelsea smacked aside Scott Parker’s game yet restricted Fulham. Fulham’s fifth defeat in six matches left the team trailing Newcastle, which has a game in hand, by nine with four games to play. Chelsea trotted into an early lead because of a splendid piece of play by Mason Mount in the tenth minute. Mount cut down Thiago Silva’s raking ball forward in stunning style, then strung a pass between two safeguards for Havertz, who opened home astonishingly.
Chelsea hoped to have multiplied its lead before long, yet Havertz was declared offside subsequent to tapping into the net. Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy repelled Ademola Lookman, then Timo Werner squandered a fine ball from Hakim Ziyech by cutting some unacceptable side of Fulham’s defense. Werner’s low cross then asked to be dispatched by Ziyech, however the Morocco forward went for placement not power and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola saved well at point-clear reach. Werner then scorned another keen ball from Ziyech, this time allowing the pass to float excessively far across his body. The Germany forward hit the objective yet Areola was never left in any peril with the save. Werner made Havertz’s second goal, however, his keen through-ball catching Fulham cold. Havertz slice the line expertly to remain onside and afterward moved home a finish.