EKO HOT BLOG reports that Chelsea boss, Graham Potter has singled out Chelsea forward Kai Havertz for praise following the Blues’ UEFA Champions League 2-1 win over RB Salzburg on Tuesday night.
The Blues secured their passage into the last 16 of the knockout round after the German’s stunning effort sealed the points in Austria and Potter declared his happiness with his contribution after a poor run of form recently.
The German had not scored since the 3-0 win over Wolves on October 8 and had badly struggled to adapt to a new role on the right side of Potter’s 3-4-3 shape in recent weeks, dropping to the bench against Brentford and Manchester United.
But the 23-year-old produced a wonderful effort to strike into the top corner from 20 yards off the underside of the bar, leaving Salzburg goalkeeper Philipp Kohn no chance as Chelsea ended the hosts’ 40-game unbeaten run at home.
It was only the third goal Havertz has scored this season and he had been running the risk of losing his place in the team after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s recent form, while Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount are regular starters to fill the other slots in the front three.
But Potter, who was spotted looking on in amazement on the touchline after Havertz’s effort hit the back of the net, praised the forward for working through a tough period after scoring only two goals before his strike against Salzburg.
“It was amazing, top corner and it makes my job a lot easier when they can do that, to be fair!” Potter told BT Sport after the game.
“Great for him, really pleased because he’s been fighting and trying his best and was nearly there to scoring more. To score that and help us through today, it’s fantastic.”
FURTHER READING
Potter’s men survived a late fightback from Salzburg after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s goal was peppered with shots late on and the former Brighton boss was pleased to see his side showed their mental strength in securing the win.
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