Timo Werner scores winner as Chelsea beat West Ham

West Ham 0-1 Chelsea: Timo Werner scores winner as Chelsea beat West Ham to go four points clear in race for Champions League spot (Match Highlights)

Timo Werner has now been directly involved in 20+ goals across all competitions this season for Chelsea. (Stats via @squawka)

Timo Werner scored the only goal to give Chelsea a crucial win away at West Ham ahead of their first leg semi-final match against Real Madrid in the champions league.

The German striker gave the blues some confidence as they go into a big week as he scored his first goal since February.

In a cagey match against West Ham, Werner, who struggled to hit form, was the architect and scorer of the goal that won the points for the blues.

The Germany striker tapped in Ben Chilwell's low cross after some fine build-up play that involved Christian Pulisic.

West Ham couldn't create clear cut chances against the organised Chelsea defence, a trait that has been consistent with Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea.

Fabio Balbuena was shown a straight red card in the 81st minute for a foul on Ben Chiwell which looked accidental but referee Chris Kavanagh watched a replay on the pitchside monitor before deciding.

Chelsea are now three points clear in fourth place, while the Hammers remain fifth on the table after Newcastle scored late to hold Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

David Moyes' side have been in fine form in previous games and were hoping to boost their Champions League hopes.

But, they did not have a shot on target until the second half as Chelsea extended their unbeaten run away from home under Thomas Tuchel to 10 matches in all competitions.

10 - Thomas Tuchel is unbeaten in all 10 away matches with Chelsea (W8 D2) and is only the second manager in Premier League history to remain unbeaten in his first 10 away games in all competitions with a club, after Claudio Ranieri with Leicester City in 2015 (11). Accomplished.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 24, 2021

"He played a very good match" - Thomas Tuchel on Timo Werner's performance

🗣"He played a very good match."

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was happy with his match winner Timo Werner pic.twitter.com/L0IqWSG2Nr

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 24, 2021

"It was a rubbish decision" - David Moyes on Fabian Balbuena's red card

🗣"It was a decision made by someone who has never played the game, it was a rubbish decision"

West Ham boss David Moyes says Fabian Balbuena's red card changed the game against Chelsea pic.twitter.com/FLCcXwZDIH

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 24, 2021

West Ham 0-1 Chelsea: Watch the full match highlights

Callum and Tammy said I'd score today - Timo Werner speaks on his goal and his confidence

🗣"Both say when you score point to them, I am glad I could point to them."

Timo Werner explains his celebration where he pointed at the bench towards Tammy Abraham & Callum Hudon-Odoi pic.twitter.com/iXL4hK3xzv

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 24, 2021