Thomas Tuchel hailed his team’s mentaility in the narrow victory over West Ham United.
Timo Werner scored the only goal of the game to send Chelsea three points clear of their top-four rivals.
“It is a very significant win because it is so difficult to win here,” said Tuchel.
“I saw us very strong in the first half, very concentrated. You have to be so patient and aggressive at the same time, because they invite you to come into their half and have ball possession, but once you lose the ball they can punish you at any second with counter-attacks and set-pieces.
“We did not allow that in the first half. We controlled the game. We had excellent counter-pressing and closed the space for counter-attacks very bravely. I’m very happy about that.
“We were a bit too passive and deep for 15 minutes in the second half, and we instantly suffered from their quality and physicality, but overall it is a big strength of ours not to concede chances or big chances. The team effort is huge.
“After 15 minutes of the second half we got control back in the game and had chances to give us a two-goal cushion. If it stays 1-0 it’s always tough until the end, but I felt our team very focused and very strong. It is the best way to arrive into another massive match in the Champions League.”
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