Nigerian International, Alex Iwobi, was in action for 56 minutes on Monday night but could not save his club Everton from crashing against Chelsea in a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.
The Toffees lost 0-2 to Chelsea with Kai Havertz and Jorginho scoring the goals that ensured the Blues are on track for top four finish.
In a crucial contest in the race for Champions League qualification, Havertz made decisive contributions in both halves as Chelsea proved a cut above their resurgent top-four rivals.
Havertz had a hand in Chelsea’s opener when his 31st-minute strike deflected in off Everton defender Ben Godfrey, and the German won the second-half penalty off Jordan Pickford, which handed Jorginho the opportunity to double the hosts’ lead from the spot.
Tuchel’s eighth victory as Chelsea manager extends his unbeaten start to 11 games and sees the Blues open up a four-point lead over fifth-placed Everton, who saw their three-game winning run end with a whimper in the capital.
With 10 league games of the season left, Chelsea remain fourth and in the last Champions League qualifying spot, only three points behind third-placed Leicester and four adrift of Manchester United in second.
Crucially, this victory takes the Blues four points clear of Everton in fifth, and Carlo Ancelotti’s side – who have a game in hand over Chelsea – will drop to sixth if West Ham avoid defeat against Leeds in Monday’s late game.
Chelsea have not been beaten since a 2-0 loss at Leicester in Frank Lampard’s penultimate game as manager on January 19, with Tuchel yet to suffer defeat in 11 matches in charge.
