Kai Havertz says the last few weeks have been "tough" for Chelsea after his header earned a narrow victory over Crystal Palace to ease the pressure on manager Graham Potter.
Havertz met Hakim Ziyech's cross shortly after the hour as the Blues ended a run of three successive defeats in all competitions.
"The last few weeks were tough. For everyone at the club, it is not easy under these circumstances," said the 23-year-old.
"A lot of things changed this year. We have so many injuries. Today we had five young players in the starting XI, they are doing a really good job at the moment."
The Germany striker should have doubled Chelsea's advantage but could only flash a header wide from close range from Mason Mount's cross.
Palace came close to equalising late on when Cheick Doucoure's long-range volley was spectacularly tipped over by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea stay 10th despite the win, just their second in 10 Premier League games, but are now level on points with ninth-placed Liverpool.
Palace are 12th after a fifth defeat in six games in all competitions.
Latest Stories
-
Dreams FC denies allegations of attempting to sign Najeeb Yakubu
7 mins -
Election 2024: ‘Right to free and fair elections non-negotiable’ – Akufo-Addo
13 mins -
Kurt Okraku took out my passport from the U23 squad that travelled to Japan – Najeeb Yakubu alleges
23 mins -
Where hope fails: Ghana’s decaying home for the destitute
33 mins -
NDC Mining Committee for 2024 campaign refutes allegations of recruiting thugs for elections
43 mins -
Traction Control: A lifesaver with an off switch? Here’s why it exists
47 mins -
I don’t need anyman to woo me with money – Miss Malaika 2024 winner refutes pimping claims
54 mins -
”Kurt Okraku sabotaged my national team career because I refused to sign with Dreams FC” – Najeeb Yakubu
54 mins -
Businesses urged to leverage Generative AI for enhanced customer engagement
58 mins -
MultiChoice Ghana partners with Ghana Hotels Association to elevate guest entertainment
1 hour -
Bawumia’s music streaming app or Mahama’s pay-per-view TV channel?
1 hour -
Karpowership Ghana empowers 40 Takoradi Technical University students with scholarship
1 hour -
We expect significant reduction in prices of petroleum products in coming weeks – CEO AOMC
1 hour -
Betway Africa offers once-in-a-lifetime ‘Play-on-the-Pitch’ experience at Emirates Stadium
2 hours -
I coined the term ‘hype man’ in Ghana – Merqury Quaye
2 hours