Thomas Tuchel delighted with Chelsea’s ‘total control’ in win over Tottenham but seeks ‘killer instinct’

The new boss has two wins and three clean sheets from his three matches in charge so far

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel explained how he was delighted with Chelsea's overall performance in the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night, but was also clear where he sees room for improvement.

The Blues were entirely dominant in the first half and, even when Spurs came out more after the break, it was Chelsea who looked the more likely to add to their tally.

Jorginho's penalty eventually settled the match but Mason Mount, Timo Werner and Mateo Kovacic were among those who could have netted a second for the away side, while Spurs only went close late on through a wayward Carlos Vinicius header and a low strike from Erik Lamela.

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Tuchel said his side played with the necessary trust in their own approach and took plenty of positives from an important victory.

"Every experience we make is a step forward if we are open to learn from it," he told BT Sport.

"There were moments in the first half where we totally controlled [the game] high up the pitch. Second half we lost a bit of confidence [but] we never lost structure, belief and intensity to defend. If it's necessary to suffer, you have to be ready and I'm happy."

Questioned on where Chelsea can expect to see further improvements the longer he has the squad on the training ground, Tuchel pointed to needing a more clinical edge in the final third.

The Blues only hit the target twice in the match, despite 18 shots and nearly 60 per cent possession, and this follows a theme where his attackers have struggled somewhat for goals so far - a blank against Wolves and a 2-0 win over Burnley, with both strikes netted by defenders.

"[We can have] a bit more killer instinct, [be] more aggressive in the box towards the goal; we had chances where we lack a bit of determination in the box but it's like this: it's best if we have something to improve and still win.

"This was a big win in an away game, I'm very happy. I'm not only happy with tactics, it's how we played, how we live it. They live it 100 per cent, full power, full intensity. It was deserved and feels great."