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Chelsea are more and more accomplished with each outing. Thomas Tuchel transformed their mentality with and without the ball and his latest tactical change in attack worked perfectly. Bringing in Kai Havertz like a false nine was a masterstroke. The German, who made his first start since January 27, had his best game in a blue jersey and was involved in both goals as Chelsea scored an impressive victory in the race to finish in the top four, easily dismissing passive Everton.
Even though there was a point between the teams at kick-off, the classroom chasm was huge. The satisfaction of Tuchel, who has yet to taste defeat in his first 11 matches, has been immense. The Chelsea manager is not afraid to experiment and although there were a few raised eyebrows when he suggested Havertz could be an option as a center forward last week, the ploy worked against Everton , whose defenders have been baffled by the 21-year-old’s craft, movement. and an easy way to find space in dangerous positions.
It was a fine display from Havertz, who has struggled since his £ 62million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen last year, and another sign of Tuchel’s intelligence. He is a manager operating at a high level. Tuchel has ticked off victories in recent weeks, beating Liverpool and Atlético Madrid ahead of this resounding victory and the difference in Chelsea’s defense since Frank Lampard left in January is remarkable.
They have conceded twice since Lampard’s dismissal and their commitment to the clean sheet was underscored by some resounding challenges from Reece James when Everton pressed through the playoffs, to the local bench’s approval.
Chelsea, who look more and more threatening in fourth place, controlled the game. Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic set the tone in the midfield, winning the ball and using it to good effect, and Everton quickly found themselves pushed back. With James Rodríguez and Abdoulaye Doucouré missing, the visitors lacked ambition and the focus on containment left Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison to feed on leftovers up front.
Against a low block, it was a typical Chelsea performance at the start: lots of possession and little incision. There were too many rushed decisions in the final third and it looked like the hosts had no one to knit their attacks with Mason Mount, who is suspended for Atlético’s visit to Stamford Bridge in the League’s final 16. champions next week, given a rare rest. .
Everton looked more and more at ease as the first half wore on. There was a feeling, however, that Chelsea would eventually invoke a moment of clarity.
Tuchel risked inviting criticism by moving Timo Werner to the right and choosing to play without a traditional striker, but Chelsea trusted the process and they took the lead when they increased the pace in the 31st minute. It was a nice move, starting with Callum Hudson-Odoi finding Marcos Alonso with a wonderful pass to the left. The full-back finally had room and his inviting cut reached Havertz, who timed his run well and his side-footed shot deflected Ben Godfrey for an own goal.
The breakthrough freed Chelsea, who were denied a second when Jordan Pickford repelled Alonso’s shot. The goal was justification for Tuchel, who wants his team to continue spinning possession as they seek openings. Chelsea were confident in their technical ability, playing from behind even under pressure, and they were also disciplined, offering Everton little room to create.
The pattern continued in the second half. James punched a wide shot and Havertz had a forbidden volley for handball. Everton, still hoping to qualify for the Champions League, have rarely bothered Chelsea. Andreas Christensen was once again unperturbed in defense and Kurt Zouma was far to the left of the last three. There was no way through for Everton, which was pointless when a chance finally presented itself, Richarlison drilling wide with only Edward Mendy to beat.
It was a crucial failure. Chelsea continued to probe and cleared as Alonso freed Havertz, who bypassed Pickford before falling victim to a goalkeeper foul. Jorginho stepped in to send Pickford the wrong way and the game was over. Although Werner wasted a late chance, everything was very polite and clinical.
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