Kai Havertz scored twice to boost Chelsea’s grip on a Champions League place and send Fulham closer to Premier League relegation.

He doubled their advantage when he finished after a one-two with Timo Werner.

In between those efforts he also had a goal correctly ruled out for offside.

Fulham had plenty of chances in the first half with Antonee Robinson and Ola Aina forcing good saves from Edouard Mendy.

But they created nothing of note after the break and now sit nine points off safety with four games to go.

Chelsea, who just need a goalless home draw against Real on Wednesday to reach the Champions League final, have a six-point cushion over West Ham in the top four.

Havertz’s finest hour?

Havertz has struggled to live up to high expectations following his £71m move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer but in 90 minutes against Fulham he managed to double his Premier League goal tally.

A clinical performance – he scored with both his shots – could put him in Thomas Tuchel’s thinking for the Real game on Wednesday.

His first came at the end of a nice team move which started with goalkeeper Mendy, who has now kept 16 clean sheets in 28 Premier League games. He rolled the ball to Thiago Silva, who sprayed a long ball forward. Mount controlled it well and fed Havertz who slotted home.

He then had a goal ruled out for a clear offside from another Mount pass.

His second came when he controlled Ben Chilwell’s pass and beat two defenders before finding Werner. He continued his run to ghost in behind the defence and received Werner’s return pass before finishing.

The hard-working, unselfish Werner is another big-money summer signing who seems to have underachieved – yet he is the first player to reach double figures in goals and assists – 11 and 10 respectively – in his first Chelsea season since Eden Hazard in 2012-13.

Only four other Premier League players have achieved over 10 goals and assists in all competitions this season.

That Havertz goal was Chelsea’s only shot in the second half until a late flurry in injury time as they were able to just cruise to victory before the biggest game of their season.

More to follow.