There was a time when Chelsea were said to be favourites heading into any game against Tottenham, either home or away. They, most of the times, came out on top, except for some occasions here and there such as Chelsea’s 5-3 battering at the hands of the Lilywhites last season at White Hart Lane. And although these cases have popped up once in three or four times but Chelsea have had the lion share of success in this fierce rivalry.
But this time around, the winds are blowing in the opposite direction. Chelsea, who are dealing with a barren period will take on a more than just in-form Tottenham side, who haven’t faltered against any of the other big guns this season. In fact, the Chelsea side has been a stark contrast to Spurs- a poor defensive record as compared to Spurs’ excellent defensive resiliency, lack of goals as placed in juxtaposition to Spurs’ goalscoring form. And rightly so, this could well be Chelsea’s toughest challenge at White Hart Lane over the years against an impressive Mauricio Pochetinno side.
And Jose Mourinho had been a man under fire before the win against Norwich and there will be a substantial amount of pressure on him to turn the season around. But Spurs present the toughest and the stiffest challenge they’d have come across this season so far. But here’s how the game may just swing in Chelsea’s favour although it won’t at all be easy.
Don’t play Kenedy at left back
Although, it’s needless to mention that Kenedy was very good at left back against Norwich last week. But the move was made such that Ivanovic’s frailties can be covered up by distributing it on either flank, such that Norwich don’t concentrate their play on their left side.
Kenedy looked like a threat every time he had the ball. He was always looking to play in crosses and make swift runs towards the final third. But Spurs will be a wholly different ball game altogether. Chelsea knew Norwich will capitalize on the break and will look to grab a smash and grab win on the counter, by defending deep in their own half. Spurs won’t do that, they’d be far more expansive and confident in their play than Norwich, especially at White Hart Lane. Playing Kenedy at left back would expose their defense further.