Kai Havertz scores twice as Chelsea beat Fulham to boost top four hopes

Chelsea 2-0 Fulham: Kai Havertz scores twice as Chelsea beat Fulham to boost top four hopes

Kai Havertz scored two goals against relegation-threatened Fulham to increase Chelsea's chances of a Champions League spot.

Thomas Tuchel made five changes to his side as they prepare for the Champions League second-leg semi-final match against Real Madrid.

Kai Havertz, who was one of the five changes, controlled Mason Mount's brilliant through ball to give the Blues an early lead.

Kai Havertz’s goal! (1-0)

Excellent assist from Mount, great finish from Havertz! #CHEFUL pic.twitter.com/pNdpx6dsjx

— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) May 1, 2021

The German midfielder made it two when he calmly slotted in Timo Werner's well-timed pass.

Kai Havertz’s second goal of the day! (2-0)

Timo and Kai combine brilliantly. #CHEFUL pic.twitter.com/LHgdiuf6xS

— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) May 1, 2021

Fulham had a handful of opportunities in the first half but Edouard Mendy made good saves to stop Antonee Robinson and Ola Aina.

Chelsea close up shop in the second half and Fulham struggled to create anything, they are now nine points off safety with four matches to go.

Chelsea are now six points clear of fifth-placed West Ham in the race for the top four.

"He is responsible for himself" - Thomas Tuchel on Kai Havertz's first season in England

"Kai played double striker with Timo and the two had a good connection and were always dangerous," Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel told BBC Sport.

"We need him spot on to achieve our goals. There are many reasons to maybe talk about why it is a difficult situation [for Havertz in his first season in England] but in the end you are responsible for yourself and he is.

"He must adapt as quick as possible. That is what he is doing and that is what we demand of him."

Kai Havertz is desperate to start in the Champions League semi-final tie against Real Madrid on Wednesday

I'm always desperate to start games," Havertz said after the match. "But I know we have a lot of quality players in the team and the other players play well as well.

"I keep going, train hard and give my best. We will see on Wednesday."