Chelsea's Malo Gusto celebrates after the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London _(Image: John Walton/PA)_
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To Chelsea fans, there are only three certainties: death, taxes, and beating Spurs, writes Tim Harrison.
The 1-0 victory at White Hart Lane at the weekend, in front of 61,202 people, could, and should, have been more emphatic.
But Joao Pedro seems short of confidence, despite netting the game’s only goal, and sub Jamie Gittens, presented with a gilt-edged opportunity in the dying moments, inexplicably opted for Row Z.
But a win’s a win, and Tottenham fans making the long trek back to Seven Sisters tube were a grumbling mass, angry at the lack of fight and urgency shown by their team.
Chelsea won this derby on grit and determination.
They didn’t allow Spurs to settle, or to feel comfortable on the ball.
Moises Caicedo exemplified the team spirit by scurrying around like a ferocious Jack Russell, bossing midfield and preventing the home side from building anything worthwhile.
The pocket-sized player, who only turned 24 this week, was saluted by manager Enzo Maresca after the game.
"He’s so humble.
"He’s such a good guy; he’s always there to help everybody."
It's debatable whether Tottenham should have had 11 players on the pitch for the second half after Rodrigo Bentancur stamped down on Reece James’ ankle shortly before half-time.
The Blues captain’s teammates reacted with fury, recognising the damage that might have been done, but ref Jarred Gillett wasn’t even presented with a chance to review his swift yellow card as VAR deemed nothing amiss.
Despite the recent hiccup against Sunderland, Chelsea are in a good place at the moment.
With each game that passes, the understanding between the young squad members deepens.
The Blues face Wolves at the Bridge this Saturday, in a peculiar 8pm kick-off that will leave fans having to gallop if they want to get home for Match of the Day.