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.
“He has outstanding quality. He’s not the leader of this team and he doesn’t have to be. He had excellent runs and he could’ve scored more.”
The win takes Chelsea back into the Premier League top four, two points above Liverpool and West Ham.