Thomas Tuchel got the better of Carlo Ancelotti as Chelsea edged out Everton 2-0 in Monday night’s Premier League top four battle at Stamford Bridge.
Kai Havertz’s first-half volley deflected in off Ben Godfrey for an own goal 31 minutes into the west London clash, and the Germany international won a penalty off Jordan Pickford in the second half which Jorginho coverted to seal a key victory.
It could have been worse for Everton as Chelsea had plenty of chances to extend their lead as the game wore on, with Timo Werner (twice), substitutes Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante going close only to be denied well by Pickford.
The result is a further boost to Chelsea’s hopes of Champions League qualification – especially against a direct rival in Ancelotti’s Toffees – and further vindicated Roman Abramovich’s decision to part company with Frank Lampard and install Tuchel as manager for what is increasingly looking like a run-in to remember.
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