Sarri sees huge potential in mentally ‘fragile’ Morata

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri believes a maturing Alvaro Morata can be the free -scoring striker his side needs after scoring twice in Sunday ’ s 3 – 1 win over Crystal Palace .
However , the Italian called on Morata to keep improving physically, mentally and technically if his goals are to help Chelsea keep pace with Premier League leaders Manchester City.

After a fast start to his Chelsea career after a then club record £ 60 million move from Real Madrid last year , Morata had scored just twice in 20 Premier League games before netting in last month ’ s 3 – 0 win at Southampton .

But he now has four goals in as many league games after two fine finishes to twice give Chelsea the lead either side of half – time before Pedro Rodriguez sealed the three points to take Sarri ’ s men above Liverpool into second , two points behind City.

“ He is a little bit fragile from the mental point of view , but he is very young I think he can improve very fast , ” said Sarri .

“ I think also Alvaro has a very great potential , physical potential , technical potential , so he has to improve more . ”

Morata even had the chance for a hat -trick when put clean through by Eden Hazard in stoppage time , but failed to fool Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey with his attempted chip .

“ I can score a hat – trick so it was not the perfect day but we will take the three points , ” said Morata .

“ When you have a bad period , it takes long to recover .

“ Last year was difficult for me for many things . You don ’ t expect an injury but now I am good, it is nice to be scoring . ”

– Hazard ’ s immediate impact –

Hazard was only fit enough for a place on the bench on his return from a back injury and his creative spark was badly missed as Chelsea laboured until his introduction just after the hour mark.

“ I think it was really very important to have him on the bench , ” added Sarri .

“ We were lucky because immediately , in the first minute , I think he was able to change our match .

“ Hazard is Hazard, he is able to do it very often . ”

Chelsea took over half an hour to create anything of note , but Morata took the first opportunity to come his way .

The Spanish international showed a confidence that has been sorely lacking for the majority of his Chelsea career by deftly controlling Pedro ’ s cross before drilling the ball low past Hennessey .

Sarri is now unbeaten in his first 16 competitive games as Chelsea boss , but will know there is still plenty of room for improvement as a sleepy start to the second – half was punished in the 53 rd minute .

David Luiz was caught ball watching and Townsend played a quick one -two with James McArthur before firing low past Kepa Arrizalabaga .

“ I don’ t think we were battered by Chelsea today , ” said Palace manager Roy Hodgson .

“ I don’ t think we were confronted with lots of goal chances and we kept them at bay pretty well , but they were clinical . ”

It wasn ’ t until Sarri summoned Hazard and Mateo Kovacic from the bench in the 64 th minute that Chelsea took control.

Hazard ’ s first involvement was to be chopped down midway inside the Palace half , and his free – kick found a way through to Morata , who arrowed a shot into the far corner .

Five minutes later Chelsea had breathing room as Morata again did well to leave Marcos Alonso’ s cross for the onrushing Pedro to slot home .

AFP

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