Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Chelsea forward names key factors behind top display and insists the squad is ‘together’

Ben Stewart
Kai Havertz of Chelsea

Chelsea comfortably beat Wolves 3-0 this weekend and Kai Havertz and Armando Broja have shared their recent recipe for success.

Graham Potter has now won his last three matches and remains unbeaten as Chelsea boss. His side produced their best performance of the season in midweek against AC Milan and they followed it up with a result against Wolves.

They have now scored eight goals across their last three matches and have moved up to fourth in the table.

Chelsea had an inconsistent start to the season under Thomas Tuchel, but they now seem to be finding their feet.

Potter had made a few surprise inclusions in his team selection against Wolves as the likes of Raheem Sterling, Reece James and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dropped to the bench.

With the volume of matches coming up for Chelsea, squad rotation will be crucial at this stage of the season.

Chelsea forwards happy with display

Havertz and Broja were both on target for Chelsea against Wolves and they have opened up on the current mood of the Chelsea dressing room.

Havertz explained (via Chelsea’s website): “We needed that goal before half-time.

“It’s always good to go into the changing room 1-0 up. It was a good goal and I was really happy.

“3-0 is a good result at home in front of our fans, it was a good atmosphere and a good game. We can be very happy.”

The German forward has now scored two goals for the season and will be hoping to beat his tally of eight goals from last season.

Broja managed to score his first goal of the season and wrapped up the three points with his 89th-minute goal. The 21-year-old had to be patient and wait for VAR to give the goal, which eventually it did.

He explained: “It’s always a wait when they check the possible offside, but I was keeping my fingers crossed, hoping it wasn’t offside.

“I thought I had timed my run well and I’m thankful it was a goal. I’m very happy, and thanks to the fans for their support as well.

“It’s an unreal feeling. I’ve been waiting for my first goal. It’s a surreal moment. I can’t really put it into words!

“When you’re at one of the biggest clubs in the world there is always going to be competition, but it’s good because it helps us develop as players.

“The coaches drill that into us. The players are working together in training. We have a big squad and everyone is needed, and whenever you come on you just have to give it your all on the pitch.”

Chelsea have used a total of 23 players in the Premier League this season, which is more than anyone else in the current top six.

Havertz added: “We’re all together on this.

“We had a lot of changes but everyone is involved in every game. We have to be positive, even those who don’t play. We saw Armando get a chance and score straightaway, so very good from him!”

What can Chelsea achieve this season?

Potter will have been pleased with what he’s seen from his squad this season, but there is still a long way to go.

His side are currently averaging two points per game. If they were to carry on at that trajectory, they would finish the season with 76 points. For context, they accumulated 74 points and finished third last season.

Chelsea are seven points behind league leaders Man City as things stand.

While the Premier League title might be out of their range right now, a top four finish would be a solid first season for Potter.

The games will come thick and fast for Chelsea in the next few months.

Potter’s side will play 10 matches until they break for the World Cup in Qatar. Next up for them is an away trip to the San Siro to face AC Milan in the Champions League.

READ MORE: Diego Costa takes dig at former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte as he left the club on ‘bad terms’