Timo Werner’s strike pushed Chelsea past West Ham United to ensure that the Hammers are off their grip.
The Blues registered an important away win and a boost on their race for the European football spot. Chelsea struggles through a tough fixture with a UEFA Semifinals match against Real Madrid coming up in two days.
Speaking after the game, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel praised his players for the 1-0 Victory.
“It was a six-pointer. The win was well deserved. We played amazing in the first half,” Tuchel said. “We did not come out of the dressing room with the same intensity as in the first half.”
He added,” We suffered a bit with their intensity, but I think we deserved to win. It’s a very important win.”
Reflecting on the 0-0 draw against Brighton, Tuchel praised his side for responding well.
“Today we played at a high, high level against a strong opponent. It was a good response,” the German said.
Also, Tuchel could not forget his striker Timo Werner, whose goal was enough to defeat off West Ham.
“We said we could arrive with confidence because before we have had crucial away matches on the highest level. In the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup and we knew we could deliver and win these matches.
“(Werner) always gives everything. He could have made it more comfortable but I am very happy because he played a very good match,” Tuchel praises.
On the other hand, his counterpart West Ham boss David Moyes bemoaned the lack of consistency from officials.
Peter Bankes and Chris Kavanagh decided to punish Fabian Balbuena for his challenge on Ben Chilwell, handing him a red card. According to Moyes, the player didn’t deserve a red card.
“Well I don’t think it is a red card because I don’t know where Fabby [Balbuena] can stick his leg,” Moyes said.
“He clears the ball, he has to follow through and he has to plant his foot somewhere. So I don’t think for a minute he tried to plant it in the boy’s leg,” he explains.