A huge three points for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.A huge three points for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
A huge three points for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. | Getty Images
A Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez masterclass helped Chelsea to three points over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur returned to action from the international break with a bang as fireworks were let off over Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.
There was plenty of excitement on the pitch too in a tasty meeting that saw the Blues pick up a huge three points to boost their pursuit of Champions League football. For Spurs and Ange Postecoglou, it’s a hard result to take with two controversial VAR calls in the second half.
The first went in Tottenham’s favour with a Moises Caicedo volley ruled out following an offside. The second cut Spurs celebrations of a Pape Sarr equaliser short with the midfielder deemed to have fouled Caicedo in the build up. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated.
Chelsea player ratings
GK - Robert Sanchez, 7
Not tested too much by Tottenham tonight. A couple of questionable balls out from the back had fans rolling their eyes. Leapt well to stop a Son shot late on, but that was perhaps more acrobatic than it needed to be.
RB - Malo Gusto, 7
A little sloppy with his crosses and passes from time to time but a combative performance. He was feeling the derby excitement and was a joy to watch.
CB - Levi Colwill, 7
Largely comfortable but guilty of a very loose pass in his own box after 37 minutes - he’s lucky Spurs weren’t quite awake enough to pounce and slot that home.
CB - Trevoh Chalobah, 8
His lovely long ball to set Jackson through early which set the pace for the game. Really, really up for it tonight as the way he squared up to Spurs opponents before the break showed.
LB - Marc Cucurella, 8
A big personality in this team, as always. It was the type of game the Spaniard can steal the headlines in but was quieter this evening.
Chelsea midfielders awarded 10/10s
CDM - Moises Caicedo, 10
Was performing at a 10/10 level even before firing home that glorious volley on the edge of the box, which was then disallowed by VAR. Picked up a knock within two minutes but determined to play on, and did so. Some of his tackles were nothing short of jaw-dropping. What a talent.
CDM - Enzo Fernandez, 10
The difference maker tonight. In the right place at the right time to take the header but always looked a danger as he enjoyed the freedom that a dominant Caicedo performance offered him. An unconventional scissor kick pass in the first half was the mark of a player purring tonight.
RW - Pedro Neto, 7
A regular threat in the way he clips those balls into the box out of nowhere. Could have perhaps penetrated the Spurs back four more regularly.
CAM - Cole Palmer, 8
That goal still evades him but filled his role as playmaker well tonight. It was his cross that finally had the quality to be turned in by a Chelsea teammate. His importance to this side has not changed despite his barren run.
LW - Jadon Sancho, 5
You can’t fault the Manchester United loanee’s effort but he’s not the long term answer for this Chelsea team. Had Stamford Bridge groaning as he dithered with his final product time and time again. There were reports this week that the Blues may have a chance to avoid their obligation to buy, and that’s probably not a bad idea.
ST - Nicolas Jackson, 7
His return added a different, and much better, dynamic to the Chelsea side. Had a couple of good chances in the early moments that he perhaps might have scored if not his first actions on returning from injury.
Subs - Tosin Adarabioyo, Noni Madueke, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Reece James.
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