It was a disappointing 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea, with Spurs having won just one of their previous 34 Premier League visits here. This was the first time they’ve won at Stamford Bridge since April 2018. Mike Penders scored an own goal in the 77th minute, before Cole Palmer received a red card three minutes later. Mathys Tel finished off the game with a great individual goal in the 87th minute.
Chelsea remain in 4th place on 13 points, whilst Roberto De Zerbi’s side move up to 12th on 9 points. It was a disappointing first home defeat for Xabi Alonso, and there are a few things to consider. So, without further ado, here are five talking points from a wet and miserable game in West London.
Chelsea Look Lost Without Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro’s absence was the main talking point before the game, and it was the main talking point after as well. The Blues have only played one game without the Brazilian forward this season and lost 3-0 at Brentford. In this game, they didn’t have a focal point and only took seven shots, the fewest they have taken in a Premier League game this season. Morgan Rogers had a go at playing as a false nine but looked like he was delivering a parcel with no address. Alonso needs a good Plan B until Joao returns.
Cole Palmer’s Moment of Madness Cannot Be Ignored
I recently praised Xabi Alonso for bringing discipline back to Chelsea. After all, they had picked up 11 red cards last season, and they’ve been much better this time around. But I just watched our talisman lose his head in a game that needed his composure. Palmer received a yellow card in the 71st minute for barging into Mateus Fernandes, which many felt should have been a straight red. He then went on to receive a red card nine minutes later for planting his studs on Conor Gallagher. Our best player simply can’t afford to be losing his head.
Give Mike Penders Some Credit (And Time)
It isn’t easy to make your first Premier League start in a London derby in terrible weather. Penders looked comfortable in the early stages, making some great saves from Omar Marmoush and Mathys Tel and clearing a dangerous through ball. However, he then put in a terrible punch from Fernandes’ corner, sending the ball over his own line. He became the second-youngest goalkeeper to score an own goal in the Premier League at just 21 years and 85 days old. Right now, he needs our support more than anything else.
Set Pieces Are Becoming A Problem
Although the own goal was a mistake from the keeper, it came from a set piece. Chelsea have now conceded eight goals from set pieces this season, which is twice as many as any other team in the division. Jan Paul van Hecke won eight out of his nine aerial duels and was generally dominant in our box. Someone at Cobham needs to start drawing out the solution to this issue.
Spurs Were The Better Team
Tottenham had 68% of the ball and took 15 shots, so it could be seen as a beating. However, their expected goals were not that high for so many shots: just 0.74 compared to our 0.43. We didn’t look too bad defensively, with Maxence Lacroix having an excellent game. The problem was we couldn’t create any big chances with our attack. This is unacceptable at home. We have Liverpool in the League Cup on Wednesday and Manchester United next Saturday, so we need answers soon.