Chelsea's Havertz warned by Potter over goal celebration in Everton draw

Chelsea’s Havertz warned by Potter over goal celebration in Everton draw

Graham Potter expressed disapproval of Kai Havertz’s goal celebration after Chelsea’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Everton. Havertz’s successful penalty kick appeared to secure Chelsea’s fourth consecutive win, as he outsmarted England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with only 14 minutes left at Stamford Bridge.

Injury time saw some unusually charitable defending and goalkeeping, leading to Ellis Sims scoring his inaugural goal for Everton. This goal proved to be crucial in securing a valuable point for the Toffees, who are fighting to avoid relegation. Despite his disappointment at dropping two points, Potter also cautioned Havertz against repeating his behavior following his third goal in three games, where he taunted Pickford after outmaneuvering him from the penalty spot.

‘When players score, they have something like an out-of-body experience,’ said Potter in his post match press conference.

‘I didn’t score many myself so I wouldn’t know. You should enjoy the celebration, I don’t think you need to involve the opponent.

‘That would be my perspective.’

The draw means Chelsea’s slim hopes of claiming a top four place with a late surge are now all but over and Potter was left to bemoan the way his side surrendered the initiative during the closing stages.

‘No, it wasn’t conscious,’ said Potter when asked if his team dropping deepar and deeper was at his request.

‘As I said, Everton used their strengths well. They’ve got physicality and used (Abdoulaye) Doucourse and (Andre) Onana) to win long balls, second balls, throw-ins, set-pieces, and to create danger.

‘Teams have always done that well under Sean (Dyche). It’s not easy to control it as well as you’d like.

‘We lost a little bit of control for a short period of time and when we did, we conceded. That’s the frustrating bit.’