Thomas Tuchel on first win, Timo Werner and Marcos Alonso

*(Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)*

Reporting from Stamford Bridge

Thomas Tuchel praised his side’s ‘complete’ performance on Sunday, after they beat Burnley 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea secured the win thanks to goals from César Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, giving Tuchel a first win as Blues manager. The result sees them move within four points of the top four, already beginning their rise up the Premier League table.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Tuchel was quick to praise his side for their performance. He said, “It was a very complete performance defensively and offensively. If we manage to find a starting XI to guarantee 20 wins in a row then we won’t change, but it is very unlikely to happen so we will use everybody.”

The result sees Chelsea extend their unbeaten run to three games, as well as recording consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League. By no coincidence, that was thanks to Tuchel’s fresh switch to a back three, with captain Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rüdiger forming a solid back line.

Tuchel praised the “outstanding” back three alongside his midfield pivot of Jorginho and Mateo Kovačić, who found themselves starting together in the heart of midfield for the second game running.

Chelsea’s use of wing-backs played into their hands, while also opening the door for a return for Marcos Alonso. The Spanish defender found himself frozen out by former manager Frank Lampard, but upon returning to the starting eleven for the first time in four months, his new manager was delighted with his display.

Tuchel said, “We had a reason and it wasn’t that we were unhappy with [Ben Chilwell] but we opted for more size. I know from the time under [Antonio] Conte that Marcos is used to playing on this role and he has good timing for arriving in the box. We are very happy he could score.”

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While Chelsea will be pleased with their superb display – and rightly so – it was another underwhelming afternoon for Timo Werner, who once again failed to find the back of the net.

The German striker has struggled recently, with his only goal in the last two months coming against League Two outfit Morecambe in the FA Cup. Now 12 league games without a goal, Tuchel showed his support for his German compatriot.

He said, “He’s totally into it, he gives everything. Nothing helps better than goals. This happens with every striker in the world.”

Chelsea now turn their focus to a run of three away games in seven days, starting with the London derby with Tottenham next Thursday. The Blues then travel to Sheffield United and Barnsley on 7th February and 11th February respectively, before returning to Stamford Bridge on 15th February, where they welcome Newcastle United to west London.