Sunday, October 03, 2021
Timo Werner still hits
Finally a goal for VAR experts against their will
Timo Werner scores in the Premier League. As a striker, that’s the footballer’s job and still it’s worth the news. Because the German international has been working on it in vain since April. Video evidence stands in his way countless times. Until now there is salvation.
Timo Werner had to laugh. What he had experienced on a rainy Saturday afternoon in London was “the story of my entire Chelsea time in one game”. Werner had worn out for Chelsea FC against Southampton FC. For the 16th (!) Time in his blues days he was denied a goal based on video evidence. And in the end he still scored regularly for the decisive 2-1 (84th) – for the first time in the Premier League since April.
“That was not only important for me, but for the whole team,” he said after the 3-1 (1-0), visibly relieved. The past games were “not that easy”, as coach Thomas Tuchel had usually only brought him as a joker. Change rumors were already making the rounds. This time Werner was allowed to run alongside newcomer Romelu Lukaku from the start and scored with his head to what was supposed to be 2-0 (41st).
But because of a foul in the making, the goal was withdrawn – typical, said Tuchel: “Every time he scores a goal, we have the feeling that there is a VAR decision that takes the goal away from him.” Werner said: “That always pulls you down a bit when you meet, celebrate with the fans – and then it is denied.” He was allowed to cheer 30 times, only 14 goals lasted. “It’s tough,” said Werner, “but I’m sticking to it.”
Hansi Flick should like to hear that. Werner scored in all three international matches under him, but not completely convinced. “If you look at Timo Werner’s record in recent years, it’s good,” emphasized the national coach in an interview with SID.
Tuchel was more critical. “He has to go ahead and improve in a lot of things,” he said. This also applies to Kai Havertz, who stewed on the bench for 90 minutes and attested the Tuchel “a little lost self-confidence”.