Chelsea and Tottenham were locked at 0-0 at half-time of their London derby showdown on Saturday evening. One of the Premier League’s fiercest rivalries had yet to ignite at a wet and windy Stamford Bridge, with Spurs certainly having the best of the opening 45 minutes at a ground where they have struggled woefully over the last three decades. Omar Marmoush wasted their best chance with a close-range effort that was fired straight at Mike Penders.
Chelsea initially looked out of sorts after back-to-backs wins under Xabi Alonso, who is without Joao Pedro due to an injury sustained in training on Friday. Summer signing Geovany Quenda was a shock selection to make his first Premier League start in attack, while Penders did likewise in goal amid the absence of usual first-choice No1 Emi Martinez. Both sides will hope to kick on after the break in an attempt to claim bragging rights as the rain begins to ease.
Maddison off injured in major Tottenham blow
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
Maddison has gone down off the ball and his team-mates look very concerned at yet another injury setback.
He’s back up after treatment but is making his way off now very gingerly indeed.
Back under way at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
A bit of a surprise from Alonso. I thought we might see Welbeck for the second half to give Chelsea more of a focal point up front without Joao Pedro.
An early Chelsea penalty appeal is rightly waved away as Palmer goes down following attention from Fernandes.
Goalless at half-time in London derby
Half-time
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
The deadlock has yet to be broken as the drenched players trudge back to the dressing rooms at Stamford Bridge.
That was certainly not anywhere close to the best 45 minutes we have seen between these two fierce London rivals, not by a long stretch, but there has been plenty of intrigue.
Tottenham have been the better team despite their woeful record here and created the best chance of the half through Marmoush, who fired straight at Penders.
'De Zerbi will be happy with Tottenham's first half'
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
You have to say that Roberto De Zerbi will probably be the happier of the two managers when he heads in at half-time.
Spurs have had the better chances, thanks in no small part to James Maddison's presence, and off the ball they have done well to keep Chelsea quiet.
Penders growing into first Premier League start
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
It was a nervous start from Mike Penders, but he has come up with two good saves and a third important claim in the last few minutes. Certainly growing into the occasion.
Penders saves from Tel with offside flag up
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
32 mins: This is good stuff from Spurs and sustained pressure with Chelsea looking well off the boil at the moment.
Marmoush connects nicely with Maddison and slides through a low pass for Tel, who sees his effort deflected over by the onrushing Penders.