Thiago Silva with Kai Havertz of Chelsea with RB Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images)
According to The Evening Standard, Chelsea manager Graham Potter believes Kai Havertz can take confidence from his game-winning goal against RB Salzburg on Tuesday night.
The Blues won 2-1 on the night, guaranteeing themselves a spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Potter’s side ended the Austrian giants’ 40-game unbeaten run at home and deserve the plaudits that come their way.
With the score tied at 1-1, Havertz scored his first goal for Chelsea from outside the box to settle the tie in the 64th minute. This was the German’s second goal since Potter took over and brings to an end a four-game run without a goal.
Speaking after the game, Potter praised his striker and noted that the goal will have done a world of good to his confidence. It augurs well for a side that is lacking a recognizable goalscorer to lead the line.
“He’s been nearly there and obviously, scoring a goal like that is bound to help.”
Potter also went on to raise the strike and claimed his appreciation for it. The ability to come clutch is not easy and Havertz certainly turned it up a notch when his team needed him.
“I wouldn’t be able to score a goal like that to be fair, I can only imagine! It’s a fantastic strike and an indication of the quality he has. So I’m really pleased for him.”
Chelsea’s second most expensive signing in history, Havertz is yet to repay the faith put in him by the Blues management. He has had some standout moments but has largely failed to do justice to his talent and potential.
He famously grabbed the winner in the final of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City, handing Chelsea their second European crown. The continental stage appears to be where his salvation lies and Potter will hope that the latest winner will rekindle his best form.
With qualification for the last 16 guaranteed, Chelsea can now focus on the Premier League, having drawn their last two games, the Blues have a gap to cover to the top of the table. Having the strikers fit and firing again certainly makes that job easier.
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