Introduction
Chelsea beat a top 6 team, for the first time this season. And who else, but Tottenham!
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC, both went into the game at 33 points. Separated, only on Goal Difference. A breathtaking London Derby is always on the fans’ calendars. A win for either side would have taken them cruising into the top 6. Only 4 points off if Liverpool in the top 4. The very first meeting between Thomas Tuchel and Jose Mourinho saw the former beat the stalwart 1-0. Jorginho converted from the spot early in the game to get the bragging rights.
Line Ups
Spurs
(4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Lloris
Defenders: Aurier, Toby, Dier, Davies
Midfielders: Sissoko, Hojbjerg, Bergwijn (Lamela- 69’), Ndombele (Lucas-69’), Son
Forwards: Carlos
CHELSEA
(3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper: Mendy
Defenders: Cesar, Silva (Andreas– 36’), Rudiger
Midfielders: Reece, Jorginho, Kovacic (Kante– 74’), Alonso, Callum(Pulisic- 65’), Mason
Forwards: Werner
First Half
Spurs started the game in an unexpected fashion. By giving Chelsea all the respect. Minimal to no pressing, allowing their opponent to exploit spaces. With almost 70% possession in the first half, Chelsea was the better team. Surely and deservedly, they got their reward after a couple of half-chances. A ball into the box to Timo Werner came soon. He got behind the defense line, controlled the ball and Eric Dier happened to tie Werner’s legs somehow. Upon drawing the foul, Jorginho converted magnificently from the spot. He did so wiith a so-called unusual, rather normal run-up.
Chelsea suffers a major setback in their backline, as the veteran Thiago Silva suffered a thigh injury and was substituted by Andreas Christensen in the 36’. There were no clear cut chances for the home side. Timo Werner and Mason Mount had the chance to extend the scoreline later but failed to do so. Regardless, the Blues led against a dull opposition 1-0 at the break.
Second Half
With no changes made by either side during the break, the Spurs definitely showed better intent. Moderate to high press, with a better movement on the ball was seen. Meaning, we had a game on the cards. However, Chelsea was able to move the ball confidently and this nullified the press. A 1-0 game always keeps you at the edge of your seat. Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura were brought on to influence the scoreline. Both forwards played their part decently well. Spurs had a few chances on goal good enough to spoil the party for their London rivals but to no avail. Erik Lamela forced a full stretched Mendy to keep his shot out. Carlos Vinicius almost found his header in the back of the net as Mendy stood still towards the end. A nervy end to the game and the scoreline ended 1-0 to Chelsea
Conclusion
Chelsea is now 6th on the table, 2 points behind West Ham. Tottenham stays at 8th place with 33 points and a game in hand. However, Everton is sandwiched at 7th place with two games in hand. Chelsea is on a comeback, being unbeaten since Tuchel’s arrival. Mourinho’s ship seems to be sinking without their anchorman, Harry Kane. They have just won 2 of their last 10 PL Matches and we hope they find their winning ways again.
It is going to be a long and exciting season for all premier league teams as the competition grows tighter. All the teams seem to be dropping points somehow. Some of the dark horses are in the European Qualification race. Let’s see how many upsets are we going to witness come to the final matchday!
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