Chelsea are now one step closer to securing Champions League football for next season as Timo Werner scored his first goal since February, helping the blues beat top four rivals West Ham on Saturday night, April 24.
In a tightly-fought game, Werner who joined Chelsea for £47m last summer fired home from Ben Chilwell’s cross after a well-worked move involving Christian Pulisic.
West Ham, who have enjoyed renaissance since David Moyes took over, struggled to create chances and finished the game with 10 men after Fabian Balbuena was shown a straight red card in the 81st minute after fouling Chilwell.
The Paraguay defender was then dismissed after the referee consulted VAR.
In a week when top clubs signed up for the controversial European super league, many football fans expected West Ham to upset the odds and defeat Chelsea but it was not to be as West Ham did not register a shot on target until after half-time making Chelsea extend their unbeaten run away from home under Tuchel to 10 games in all competitions.
West Ham wanted a penalty when the game was goalless after Tomas Soucek’s shot struck Cesar Azpilicueta before hitting his arm, while Timo Werner missed a glorious chance to double the lead after Mason Mount’s shot was placed into his path but the striker shot it wide.
West Ham tried through out the game but couldn’t break through a resolute Chelsea defence.
Chelsea were ninth in the table when Tuchel took charge in January but they now have a clear advantage in the race to finish in the top four
West Ham remain fifth in the table, three points behind Chelsea, after Liverpool’s failure to beat Newcastle earlier on Saturday.
