Graham Potter has praised Kai Havertz after his 'fantastic' goal against RB Salzburg secured Chelsea's spot in the Champions League Round of 16.
The Blues made it three wins on the bounce in Europe after defeating the Austrian league leaders 2-1 at the Red Bull Arena.
It was a game dominated by the visitors and could have easily been over in the first half, but Chelsea were wasteful with their chances.
Advert
The only man who wasn't was Mateo Kovacic, who fired a beautiful strike into the top left corner 23 minutes into proceedings.
In the second half the hosts fought back, Chuwubuike Adamu levelled the game but the west London side soon had the lead again.
German forward Havertz hit a wonderful effort that clipped the bar on it's way in to secure the three points for the Blues.
With just one matchday left, Chelsea are already through as Group E winners.
Advert
READ MORE: Chelsea confirm appointment of technical director as Todd Boehly recruitment rebuild continues
AC Milan are just three points behind them after their thumping win against Dinamo Zagreb, but they cannot catch Potter's men as they lost both games to them previously.
After such a slow start to the group stages, where Chelsea lost to Zagreb and then drew with Salzburg, it looked as though the Blues could be in trouble, but they have recovered superbly.
Advert
The win sees the English head coach's unbeaten run since he took over following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel extended to nine matches.
While in charge he has won an impressive six games, and drawn the other three.
READ MORE: Graham Potter hails Chelsea for reaching last 16 of Champions League after RB Salzburg win
It was an impressive performance from the entire squad, but Havertz stole away the headlines with his powerful shot to win the game.
Advert
Netting for the third time this season, his goal will no doubt provide the 23-year-old with a huge confidence booster.
This was the first game he'd started in the Champions League, since the reverse fixture and Potter's first game in charge.
Speaking after the match the 47-year-old shared his delight at Havertz's display, he said: "His quality is there; he's an incredibly talented player.
Advert
"He’s been nearly there and obviously, scoring a goal like that is bound to help. I wouldn’t be able to score a goal like that to be fair, I can only imagine!
"It’s a fantastic strike and an indication of the quality he has. So I’m really pleased for him.”
Havertz will be hoping that performance will have earned him the opportunity to get more minutes down the line and impress his boss further.
Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Kai Havertz, Champions League, Red Bull Salzburg, Football
Sam Collins