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A Kai Havertz brace gave Chelsea a comfortable 2-0 victory over west London rivals Fulham on Saturday evening.
The visitors started brightly but Thomas Tuchel’s men were soon able to compose themselves and take the lead after ten minutes. Thiago Silva’s long punt forward was plucked out of the sky by Mason Mount, who slotted it through for Havertz to squeeze past Alphonse Areola.
The German then got his brace to double his side’s lead just four minutes into the second half. The 21-year old played a one-two with his compatriot Timo Werner, whose deliciously weighted through ball was neatly finished by Havertz.
Despite Fulham’s push to get at least one back, the Blues stood firm and saw out a 2-0 win which moves them onto 61 points – six in front of West Ham, who play on Monday night. The result also means Fulham’s hopes of staving off relegation are well and truly fading, as they sit nine points adrift of with their rivals all having played one game fewer.
Now, let’s get into some ratings.
Edouard Mendy (GK) – 8/10 – Was forced into a couple of very good stops and did well to bag another clean sheet.
Andreas Christensen (CB) – 7/10 – Had to be on high alert against Antonee Robinson and Ademola Lookman down Fulham’s left and did a solid job against the duo.
Thiago Silva (CB) – 7/10 – Provided composure at the back and was key to helping his side overcome the surprise of Fulham’s bright start to set his side on their way to victory.
Kurt Zouma (CB) – 8/10 – Showed great positioning as he covered for team mates, making 11 interventions.
Reece James (RWB) – 7/10 – Very positive in possession and constantly aimed to drive his side forward with mazy runs down the right.
Billy Gilmour (CM) – 6/10 –Struggled at times against Fulham’s aggressive pressing but he applied himself well and was dogged and tenacious in all he did, allowing the likes of Mount to roam free and create.
Mason Mount (CM) – 8/10 – The architect to most of Chelsea’s attacking play, adding so much impetus and thrust from the centre of the field. Assisted Havertz’s opener beautifully.
Ben Chilwell (LWB) – 7/10 – Picked up good positions up the field and provided an option out wide. Was strong defensively, too, marshalling Ivan Cavaleiro well and rarely giving the Fulham man a sniff.
Hakim Ziyech (RW) – 6/10 – Grew into the game as time went on and showed moments of class but, unusually, just couldn’t find a pass to penetrate Fulham’s backline.
Kai Havertz (CF) – 9/10 – Looks to be finally finding some form, scoring two delightful goals to earn Chelsea all three points.
Timo Werner (LW) – 8/10 – Made some typical runs in behind and was able to forge some good openings for others with two key passes, notably creating Havertz’s second goal.
N’Golo Kante (CM) – 6/10
Tammy Abraham (ST) – 6/10
Marcos Alonso (LWB) – N/A
Alphonse Areola (GK) – 6/10 – Like his opposite number made one or two great stops and looked sharp but, unfortunately, wave after wave of attack proved too much.
Ola Aina (RB) – 6/10 – Was good on the ball, finding an out ball or taking it up the pitch himself nicely. Stayed tight to his opposite number more often than not, although sometimes struggled with the Blues’ fluid attack.
Joachim Andersen (CB) – 6/10 – Was aware of the runs of Werner and Havertz for the most part and dealt with them well, making six ball recoveries.
Tosin Adarabioyo (CB) – 6/10 – Had his teammates’ backs and covered well, tracking back to good effect when unmarked runners got in behind. Was strong in the air, as well, winning two aerial battles.
Antonee Robinson (LB) – 6/10 – Was bright and positive throughout, always looking to surge forward and even forced a fine save from Mendy before half time.
Ivan Cavaleiro (RM) – 5/10 – Had his moments, showing his strength and pace but struggled to impose himself on the game and was dealt with efficiently by Chilwell.
Mario Lemina (CM) – 6/10 – Started playing some lovely balls through the hosts’ midfield in the first period but faded in the second. Had a solid game defensively though, making five tackles.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (CM) – 6/10 – Showed great aggression and pressed high, rarely giving Gilmour a moment’s peace. Just lacked a bit of finesse when it counted and was wasteful around the penalty area.
Ademola Lookman (LM) – 7/10 – Demonstrated fantastically quick feet and was his side’s most potent threat when driving forward, making three key passes.
Bobby Reid (ST) – 6/10 – Was free to roam around, playing off of Josh Maja and linked up really well with his colleagues. Found pockets of space but didn’t manage to find a killer end product.
Josh Maja (ST) – 5/10 – Rarely got the service when he darted in behind.
Josh Onomah (CM) – 5/10
Fabio Carvalho (AM) – 5/10
Aleksandar Mitrovic (ST) – N/A
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