Staff Reporter.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has challenged Kai Havertz to show greater “hunger and determination” after the forward impressed in a dominant victory at Crystal Palace.
The Germany international scored the Blues’ first goal and set up their second for Christian Pulisic to fire in from close range as they set about making amends for last weekend’s 5-2 loss to West Brom in a scintillating opening 10 minutes at Selhurst Park.
Kurt Zouma all-but ended the game as a contest on the half-hour mark, rising highest to head in a Mason Mount free-kick.
Christian Benteke headed in Jeffrey Schlupp’s cross to reduce the deficit to reward an improved second-half showing from Palace with 25 minutes to go, but Pulisic’s far-post finish from Reece James’ cross ended any hope of an unlikely comeback.
“[Kai Havertz] maybe should’ve scored more, he had more chances,” Tuchel told BBC Sport. “He can still improve his hunger and determination.
“It was very good. We started very well, very aggressive and we had a high percentage of possession. We also had a good switch of play and we had a lot of touches in the box — so a very good performance,” Tuchel said after the game.
“We dropped a little bit after the third goal but we had a good response, especially after the goal we conceded. We created a lot of chances and didn’t allow much for them.”
The win takes Chelsea back into the Premier League top four, two points above Liverpool and West Ham.
“The first 20-30 minutes felt really strong from us. We were playing very aggressive and that drove us through the game,” Pulisic said after the match.