Chelsea beat Tottenham 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to secure 3 important points and continue their impressive record against their rivals.
It was a pretty ugly game – scrappy and slowed by endless long setups for set pieces and long throws. Tottenham were dreadful in attack and Chelsea not much better. But what made the difference was the Blues’ intensity in pressing and defending.
It was appropriate that their goal came from a high turnover – and even more appropriate that it was Moises Caicedo who created it. The midfielder was at his tenacious best all game, and forced the goal by snapping into three challenges in a row which forced the hesitant Spurs players back. By the time he won the third, he was in on goal and able to direct the ball back to Joao Pedro, who ended his scoring drought with a calm finish.
A nasty tackle on Reece James which could have brought a red card to a frustrated Spurs only fired up Chelsea further, and they didn’t retreat or let their energy levels drop.
With Tottenham finally forced to try and attack, Chelsea had numerous chances to score a second and kill the game, but their infuriating inefficiency in front of goal meant the result was still somewhat in doubt right until the end, despite their dominance.
The win moved Enzo Maresca’s men to fourth, level with Tottenham in the table. On the evidence of this game, however, we should be significantly higher come the end of the season. This was a really important win that Chelsea need to build from.
MOTM – Moises Caicedo
Analysis
Moises Caicedo in action for Chelsea.
Moises Caicedo in action for Chelsea. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Chelsea solidified their midfield by putting Reece James in alongside Caicedo, and the approach paid off. The Blues dominated physically and in duels, and while their finishing left a lot to be desired, their mentality and organisation in swarming Spurs was excellent.
Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah added to the solid spine and Robert Sanchez was excellent collecting crosses and high balls all game.
If this level can be maintained this team can go far – but we’re cautious of predicting too much given how often we’ve seen them slump back to their bad old ways in the past.
Teams
Tottenham HotspurGuglielmo Vicario
Pedro Porro
Kevin Danso
Micky van de Ven
Djed Spence
Joao Palhinha
Rodrigo Bentancur
Mohammed Kudus
Pape Sarr
Lucas Bergvall
Randal Muani
Substitutes:
Dane Scarlett
Wilson Odobert (73′)
Brennan Johnson (73′)
Cristian Romero (60′)
Mathys Tel
Iyenoma Udogie (73′)
de Andrade Richarlison (60′)
Xavi Simons (7′)
Antonin Kinsky
ChelseaRobert Sanchez
Malo Gusto
Wesley Fofana
Trevoh Chalobah
Marc Cucurella
Reece James
Moises Caicedo
Pedro Neto
Enzo Fernandez
Alejandro Garnacho
de Jesus Joao Pedro
Substitutes:
Filip Jorgensen
Tosin Adarabioyo (89′)
Jamie Gittens (66′)
Andrey Santos
Jorrel Hato
Josh Acheampong
Marc Guiu
Estevao (85′)
Romeo Lavia (76′)
Stats
Stat Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea
Ball possession 48% 52%
Expected goals (xG) 0.10 3.68
Total shots 3 15
Shots on target 1 9
Big chances 0 6
Big chances missed 0 5
Accurate passes 294 (76%) 343 (81%)
Fouls committed 14 12
Corners 6 5
Quote of the game
“He is, with Rodri, the best defensive midfielder in the world” – Enzo Maresca on Moises Caicedo.