Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has likened two-goal hero Reece James’ shooting to that of a horse after the academy graduate bagged a brace in the 3-0 win over Newcastle at the weekend.
The Blues travelled to St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon and produced a second-half spectacle led by James, in which the England international pelted two belters home with either foot, before penalty-confident Jorginho put the gloss on an emphatic triumph from 12 yards.
James’ strikes ensured the attacking full-back has now produced four goals in just seven Premier League appearances for the reigning European champions this season, consolidating his status as one of the country’s most forward-thinking and devastating No. 2s.
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Having also watched Liverpool drop points to Brighton, surrendering a two-goal advantage at Anfield, and current Premier League holders Manchester City producing a limp and rather concerning 2-0 reversal to Crystal Palace, Tuchel’s men solidified their position atop the table.
Speaking after watching his side dispatch their newly-monied coevals on Tyneside, Tuchel lavished praise on James, whom he says doesn’t need to practise his shooting behind the scenes as he has a natural ability to uncork from any angle.
“It’s a complex game and I don’t think Reecey can score if Callum [Hudson-Odoi] does not do the dribbling and if Chilly [Ben Chilwell] doesn’t open the space,” Tuchel said.
“We were dangerous on the first post with Kai [Havertz], the middle of the goal with Ross [Barkley], and then the second post even with Ruben [Loftus-Cheek]. Then it’s possible to score on the far post.
“This is why sometimes our strikers are sacrificing to create space and chances for the others. It will always be like this. Shooting you don’t need to exercise.
“We don’t need exercise shooting with Reece, he shoots like a horse!”