Mauricio Pochettino celebrated tackle made by £35m Chelsea man in first few minutes vs West Ham - journalist

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was really pleased with one thing one of his defenders did earlier.

The Blues are currently playing West Ham United in the Premier League in what is a big game for them.

Win, and Chelsea can climb above Manchester United in the table, with Erik ten Hag’s side not playing until tomorrow.

Manchester United travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace, and Pochettino‘s men will be desperate for them to drop points.

It is, of course, really tight in the race for European football.

Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images

Mauricio Pochettino loved what Chelsea defender did against West Ham

Chelsea took the lead against their London rivals thanks to another Cole Palmer goal.

It was the Englishman’s 21st in the Premier League this season.

However, before that, Benoit Badiashile made a strong tackle, which resulted in Pochettino doing a fist pump, according to Evening Standard journalist Nizaar Kinsella.

Badiashile has not started too many games for Chelsea this season, largely because of injury, but he could have a more prominent role next term.

Thiago Silva is leaving the club in the summer when his contract expires.

Chelsea and Benoit Badiashile’s defending better

Badiashile and Chelsea have improved defensively recently.

They were able to keep a clean sheet against Tottenham Hotspur during the week and restrict West Ham to a couple of opportunities during the first half of their latest London derby.

If the central defender, who cost the Blues £35m, and the rest of the team can keep it up, there is a good chance of them finishing in seventh or even higher and qualifying for Europe.

Next up for Chelsea is a trip to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest.