London (AP) – Kai Havertz gave Chelsea FC a perfect start after the long World Cup break in the English Premier League. The German national soccer player scored in the 2-0 (2-0) home win against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday for a 1-0 lead (16th minute), he also prepared Mason Mount’s second goal (24th).
With their seventh win of the season, the Blues reduced the gap to the Champions League places to six points. Compared to the last league game before the World Cup in Qatar, Chelsea coach Graham Potter made eight changes to the starting XI. For example, former Gladbach professional Denis Zakaria was allowed to play in defensive midfield from the start.
A downer was Reece James’ knee injury in the second half. The England international had just returned from a knee injury that saw him miss the World Cup in Qatar. “It’s the same spot, so we’re concerned,” Potter said. “We have to hope it’s not that bad this time.”
Late on Tuesday evening, Manchester United confidently beat promoted Nottingham Forest 3-0 (2-0) in the first league game after the split from Portugal’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Marcus Rashford surpassed with the goal to 1:0 (19th) and the assist to 2:0 by Anthony Martial (22nd). Fred got the final score (87th). Man United are just a point behind a Champions League spot.