Thomas Tuchel expressed his relief after Chelsea secured a late 1-0 win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea strengthened their position in the Premier League’s top four with a narrow win over an understrength West Ham, with Christian Pulisic’s last-minute winner securing all three points for the Blues.
Pulisic’s goal came just minutes after Jorginho’s tame penalty had been saved by Lukasz Fabianski, following Craig Dawson’s foul on Romelu Lukaku, with the Hammers centre-back sent off after a VAR review.
Having been frustrated for much of the contest it was Pulisic who found a winner, turning home Marcos Alonso’s cross to seal a London derby success for Chelsea.
Tuchel admitted his side had to be patient to find a breakthrough against the visitors and expressed his relief after Pulisic’s 90th-minute rescue act.
“We knew this can be a game when we need to be patient and disciplined not to concede a counter attack. I don’t know if there is another way to beat them,” Tuchel told BBC Sport.
“They are used to defending with bodies and discipline. They don’t allow a lot. When you get a late penalty you think you have it. But another setback. After that is a relief to get the result.”
Tuchel spoke on Jorginho’s missed spot-kick and admitted his frustration with the midfielder’s poor penalty, before expressing his delight to see Chelsea seal a late win after a ‘disciplined performance’.
“He has been perfect for us,” Tuchel said on Jorginho.
“I do not have a lot of hair to pull out of my head. But this is the moment. We have half chances and blocked shots. Finally you have the big chance and Jorgi on the pitch, who is brilliant for us. It is hard to come back and not lose confidence.
“It is a deserved clean sheet and disciplined performance. There were key players missing in attacking transition for them. But we needed a clean sheet and home win to release the pressure and tension. The atmosphere is now good. This is good for confidence.”
