Products You May Like
Chelsea had lost their previous two matches going into this game, but you wouldn’t have thought it judging by their performance in the derby. They were absolutely dominant here, beating 10-man Tottenham Hotspur 2-0.
Willian was the standout man and it was his moment of brilliance in the 12th minute that opened the scoring. The Brazilian did a stepover to get past Serge Aurier before powerfully curling the ball past Paulo Gazzaniga. He added to that goal with a second from the penalty spot, after Gazzaniga came out and put a shocking challenge in on Marcos Alonso just before half-time.
They took their dominance from the first half into the second, even if that didn’t translate into any more goals. Frank Lampard‘s side looked even more comfortable once Son Heung-min was sent off for kicking out at Antonio Rudiger in the 62nd minute.
In the end, this turned out to be a comfortable win for the Blues, as they ensured they have some breathing room in the race for the top four.
Positives
Chelsea were so dominant for large periods of the game, with their defensive line and midfield looking perfectly synchronised. They passed the ball well, pressed as a team, created their own chances and prevented Spurs from making many of their own. Their performance throughout the game was truly brilliant.
Negatives
Despite the team being so in control, Tammy Abraham looked isolated in the box at times. Considering how dominant they were, they should have got more goals than they did, as Spurs were able to cling to some hope of getting back into the game.
Manager rating out of 10
9 — Lampard’s move to a back three turned out to be a masterstroke, as his team came out of the blocks quickly, taking control of the game. Spurs were on the back foot for almost the entire first half. He stuck with his guns after Jose Mourinho’s half-time change and it paid off. This was definitely a case of the student outdoing the master.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Kepa Arrizabalaga, 6 — Didn’t have too much to do, but was convincing whenever he was called into action. He was brave to get in ahead of Moussa Sissoko when the Frenchman went flying into him.
DF Antonio Rudiger, 8 — Communicated very well with Cesar Azpilicueta and Kurt Zouma. This was his third consecutive start and the German looked comfortable throughout the majority of the game. He was booked for a foul on Davinson Sanchez and sadly was racially abused by a Tottenham supporter.
DF Kurt Zouma, 7 — Was dominant in a lot of his play. However, he was given a yellow card for stopping Harry Kane taking a quick free kick and there were times it looked as though he may get a second.
DF Fikayo Tomoro, 8 — Had a slightly shaky start, but looked strong after that, dealing with pretty much every threat that he faced without much trouble. Made a good block late on to preserve the clean sheet
MF Cesar Azpilicueta, 7 — The Spaniard was constantly up and down the right flank. He was convincing in both his attacking and defensive play.
MF N’Golo Kante, 8 — Superb positioning throughout the game that allowed him to clear up the ball, helping add to Chelsea’s defensive solidity.
MF Mateo Kovacic, 7 — Got control of the ball from early on in the match as Chelsea took control. He was booked for a coming together with Dele Alli.
MF Marcos Alonso, 6 — Was taken out by Gazzaniga for the penalty. He also put some brilliant balls into the box and got the better of Serge Aurier.
FW Mason Mount, 7 — The England international put in a real shift for the team and pressed brilliantly, but often struggled with his final pass or finish.
FW Tammy Abraham, 7 — He missed an early chance and was isolated at times, but was a handful for Spurs throughout. Some of his hold-up play was seriously impressive. His impact on the Spurs’ defence was best summarised when Toby Alderweireld grabbed the ball in desperation, hoping to get a free kick.
FW Willian, 9 — Spurs fans booed the Brazilian early on, remembering that he snubbed them to join Chelsea. He silenced them by scoring the opener with a superb strike, then added to that with a calmly taken penalty. Aside from the goals, he played some sublime passes.
Substitutes
MF Jorginho, 5 — Replaced Kovacic in the 68th minute and helped to dictate the play, though he did take one bad touch that could have led to a moment of danger.
FW Michy Batshuayi, N/R — Replaced Abraham in the 80th minute and worked hard to ensure Chelsea stayed on top.
DF Reece James, N/R — Replaced Azpilicueta in the 81st minute and almost got in a position to score.