High-flying Chelsea are the team to beat at the moment, and they produced a spectacular display against Tottenham on Saturday, coming back from a goal down to run out 2 – 1 winners in a deserved victory.
Denmark international Christian Eriksen brought an end to Chelsea’s run of 6 clean sheets with a wonderfully struck shot from outside the box that sailed far beyond Courtois’ outstretched arms.
The 11th minute opener was the first time the solid Blues defence was caught napping in over 600 minutes, with the last time they conceded a goal being in the 40th minute against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Chelsea: Christian Eriksen’s goal is the first Chelsea have conceded in the Premier League in 600 minutes of action #CFCvTHFC
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) November 26, 2016
Chelsea were the 2nd best side for the majority of the period in the 1st half, right until the end when Pedro smashed a shot past Lloris following a quick turn at the edge of the visitors’ box.
The Spaniard’s goal was his 3rd of the current Premier League season, and including his 5 assists, Pedro has now been involved in 8 Chelsea goals in his last six Premier League appearances at the Stamford Bridge.
8 – Pedro has had a hand in eight goals in his last six Premier League apps at Stamford Bridge (3 goals, 5 assists). Comforts.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 26, 2016
His goal was assisted by Nemanja Matić, the Serbian’s 6th of the season. The return superseded the midfielder’s combined assist tally of 5 of the past 2 seasons.
It’s definitely been a great season for the midfielder who is relishing his partnership with Kante, and paying back Conte’s faith in him, having been on the periphery of first team selection last season.
6 – Nemanja Matic has provided six Premier League assists this season; one more than his previous two campaigns combined (5). Strings.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 26, 2016
When play resumed following all square the first period, Chelsea were back in their element, and continually pressed for a 2nd goal. It didn’t take long before it came.
Costa made a dash down the left and advanced into Tottenham’s box, drawing the Spurs defenders to himself before squaring up the onrushing Victor Moses from the byline. The Nigerian made no mistake to power his strike into the top corner of Lloris’ goal.
The Barcelona target’s brilliant state since the season has now seen him score 3 Premier League goals, with all coming at home.
Costa’s well-calculated assist to the 25-year-old ensured the Spain international had a hand in another of Chelsea’s goal.
The 28-year-old now has 4 assists and 10 goals this season, and no other Premier League footballer has played a part in the scoring of more goals than him.
14 – Diego Costa has been involved in more goals than any other PL player this season (10 goals, 4 assists). Force.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 26, 2016
The Tottenham match was definitely a great way to test the strength of Chelsea’s title credentials, and the Blues sure came out in flying colours.
It is a new Chelsea team entirely this term under Conte’s guidance, and the 4 players involved in both goals just go a long way to show how the team has undergone total resurgence since his arrival.
Moses wasn’t even considered good enough for Chelsea’s bench over the past couple of seasons, while Matic’s heavy dip in form last term looked totally beyond repair.
The clash against Tottenham was the first time Pedro had started 6 league games on the bounce for Chelsea since arriving from Camp Nou last summer, and Costa was just out of all sorts all through last season.
The quartet has become integral parts of the team, and with such continued form, they sure can combine with Hazard and Co to lead Chelsea to their 5th EPL title.