Chelsea cruises, West Ham wins
Chelsea strengthened its hold on fourth place in the Premier League as Kai Havertz inspired a vital 2-0 win over Everton, while West
Ham boosted its surprise top four challenge with a 2-0 victory against Leeds on Monday (Tuesday in Manila).
Havertz has endured a disappointing first season following his £70 million ($96 million) move from Bayer Leverkusen last year.
But the Germany forward was given a rare start by Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and he responded by playing the key role in both goals at Stamford Bridge.
Havertz's shot was deflected into the Everton net for a Ben Godfrey own goal in the first half.
The 21-year-old has not scored in the league since October, but Tuchel entrusted him with an important role as Chelsea's false nine and Havertz's intelligent movement put him in position to earn the second-half penalty that Jorginho converted.
"I'm very happy with his performance, no doubt about his quality,
his talent and also his character," Tuchel said.
Chelsea is unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions -— winning eight times — since Tuchel replaced the sacked Frank Lampard in January. They are two points ahead of fifth placed West Ham, who have a game in hand in a tense race to qualify for next season's Champions League via a top four finish.
The Blues have kept nine cleansheets under Tuchel and only their former Italian boss Maurizio Sarri, who went 12 games unbeaten, has enjoyed a better start with the west London club.
Sixth placed Everton is four points behind Chelsea after its first away defeat since November.