It was an absolutely absorbing contest at the Stamford Bridge as Chelsea came out with 3 points beating London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 to earn their seventh straight league win.
Spurs started their third London derby in three weeks on a positive note and soon enough they were in the lead thanks to a curling left-foot effort by Christian Eriksen. Mauricio Pochettino’s side continued their early domination as they were afforded plenty of space in the midfield by the home team. But the Blues did manage to level things on the stroke of half-time through Pedro’s beautiful effort.
Chelsea then took the game to Spurs after the half-time and the turnaround was complete as Victor Moses was on hand to finish Diego Costa’s square pass to give the home side the lead. Marcos Alonso should have made it three but blasted over the bar soon after. Chelsea shut shop and defended resolutely as the final whistle approached, with Spurs’ players failing to break them down. With the match finishing 2-1, Chelsea were back at the top of the Premier League.
In what was another strong showing by Antonio Conte’s men, we look at how each player performed on the night:
Thibaut Courtois – 6
Will be disappointed to let in Eriksen’s strike at his near post, but other than that looked up for the task as he saved everything else that came his way.
Marcos Alonso – 5
Off night for the summer signing. Poor positioning in defence and missed an easy chance to put the game to bed in the 55th minute.
Gary Cahill – 5
Spurs raided his side of the defence in the first half. No proper communication between him and Alonso, affording the visitors easy space to run into.
David Luiz – 6
Was never going to be easy for the Brazilian going up against Harry Kane, but gave a good account of himself as he won aerial duels in plenty. Was booked for an unnecessary challenge.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Another solid display by the Spaniard playing on the right of the three-men defence.
Victor Moses – 7
After being quiet for most of the first half, burst into life in the second. Scored the winner for Chelsea in the 50th minute. His revival under Conte continues.
Nemanja Matic – 6
Grabbed the assist for Pedro’s strike in the first half. But was guilty of conceding too much space in the midfield.
N’golo Kante – 6
Struggled to get into the game in the first half as Spurs outnumbered the home side in the centre of the park. Grew into the game and was his usual energetic self in the second period.
Eden Hazard – 6
Not the best game for the Belgian, but showed glimpses of his quality as he caused the Spurs backline a worry at times.
Pedro – 8
Full of energy, the Spaniard was Chelsea’s best player on the day, as he scored the equalizer with a stunning hit on the stroke of half-time. Tireless display.
Diego Costa – 7
Did not get on the scoresheet but his running caused troubles as spaces opened for his teammates. Set up the winner for Moses to hit into the back of the net.
Substitutes
Willian – 5
Came on for Hazard with 13 minutes to spare. Was booked for a needless foul on Kevin Wimmer.
Branislav Ivanovic – NA
Came on for Moses in the 80th minute. Was beaten by the pace of Nkoudou on one occasion.
Oscar – NA
Replaced Pedro with 7 minutes left on the clock. Not enough time to have any impact.