Havertz Cements Fourth Spot For Chelsea
02 May, 2021
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
Chelsea cemented their place in the top-four in the Premier League after a 2-0 make an impression on relegation-threatened Fulham on Saturday evening.
The hosts had an early on scare in the fifth minute after Joachim Andersen won possession high up the pitch, surged towards the box and unleashed a robust strike that was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Kai Havertz, who was guilty of offering possession for the reason that moment, gave Chelsea the lead five minutes later with a minimal strike across shot-stopper Alphonse Areola some exceptional work by Mason Mount in the build-up.
Ademola Lookman came close to snatching the equaliser for Fulham in the 23rd minute after pouncing on a rebound from a set-piece situation and unleashed a minimal drive that was parried away by Mendy towards underneath corner.
Ziyech had a huge chance to double the lead for Thomas Tuchel's charges six minutes before the break after Timo Werner raced clear on goal on the proper side and played a square pass however the Moroccan's strike was heroically kept out by Areola.
Tuchel's troops had a dream start in the next stanza as Havertz doubled their lead four minutes from the break with a minimal strike past Areola after beating the offside trap from Werner's through ball to complete his brace.
The Blues had an excellent chance to achieve the third goal in the 73rd minute after James went clear on goal at the near post from Havertz's through ball but his cross towards the lurking Werner was smothered by Areola.
The Cottagers lacked momentum and the leading edge in the ultimate third and the Blues held to a comfortable win, because they moved six points free from fifth-placed West Ham United.
Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester City
Manchester City are on the brink of reclaiming the Premier League title after defeating Crystal Palace 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Raheem Sterling must have opened the scoring in the 17th minute after cutting within the six-yard box to get a clear sight at goal but Tyrick Mitchell made a timely block as he was pulling the trigger.
Palace were growing in the overall game from then on and Christian Benteke came very near breaking the deadlock just before the half-hour mark after pouncing on a loose ball at the near post but his strike was saved by Ederson from point-blank range.
Gabriel Jesus thought he had finally got the breakthrough for City nine minutes prior to the break with a first-time volley into the roof of the net from Fernandinho's long cross but the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside and the first stanza ended goalless.
Sergio Aguero finally gave them the lead three minutes prior to the hour-mark with with cracking strike towards the very best corner at the near post after an excellent first touch from Benjamin Mendy's low cross.
Ferran Torres quickly made it 2-0 for the visitors two minutes later with a low curling strike in to the bottom corner after he found space from a loose ball on the edge of the box.
Sterling was unlucky never to extend the lead for the Citizens in the 62nd minute with a left-footed strike at the near post that beat goalkeeper Vicente Guaita but came off the upright.
Ultimately, the Citizens settled for a 2-0 win to go 13 points clear at the very top and will be crowned champions if Manchester United lose against Liverpool on Sunday.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za
TAG(s):