Chelsea managed to end Tottenham’s unbeaten run in the Premier League this season as they came back from being 1-0 down to win the game 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
The win made sure Chelsea reclaimed their top spot after Liverpool and Manchester City had gone past the Blues with wins earlier in the day. With the win, they extended their winning streak to seven games and after a slow start to the season under Conte, they are looking like serious contenders for the title.
Spurs had managed to break a series of draws in the Premier League with a win over West Ham last week, but were handed another defeat, after they were dumped out of the Champions League midweek with a loss against Monaco.
Here we round up three talking points from Stamford Bridge on the night:
Spurs’ lack of depth in squad
The difference of quality on the benches between Chelsea and Tottenham was visible for everyone to see on Saturday night. While Conte was able to call upon the services of the likes of Willian and Oscar, with Cesc Fabregas an unused substitute, Mauricio Pochettino had to rely on the inexperienced Harry Winks and Georges Kevin N’koudou.
The Lily-whites’ lack of choices in attack had already been evident early in the season when Harry Kane was out injured. Vincent Janssen’s search for form in the English top flight still continued, and a suspension for Danny Rose and injury to Ben Davies showed the Spurs’ lack of options at left-back.
The lack of depth in the squad will remain a concern for Pochettino and with the transfer window looming, he should look to add a few players.
Chelsea’s run without conceding halted
Chelsea were coming into the game against Tottenham having not conceded in their previous six Premier League fixtures. After Arsenal put the Chelsea defence to the sword in a 3-0 win at the Emirates, the Blues had been brilliant at the back, with the centre-half trio of Azpilicueta, Luiz and Cahill extremely solid. They have been well-assisted by the wing-backs Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso.
But Thibaut Courtois’ goal was finally breached as soon as 11th minute by Christian Eriksen with a lovely swerving effort off his left foot. With the goal, Chelsea’s defence was finally beaten after a whopping 601 minutes without conceding.
The Chelsea defenders, however, did not let Spurs put another past Courtois, making sure Victor Moses’ goal was enough to get them three points. After the game, Chelsea remain the tightest defence in the league along with Spurs, having conceded only 9 times so far.
Chelsea’s title credentials keep getting stronger
When Antonio Conte was appointed at the helm at Chelsea, it was widely welcomed as it was firmly believed that the Italian could take the Londoners back to the top after an abysmal season last time around.
But after a mixed start to the season, there were questions raised. However, Conte, with a switch to his favoured 3-4-3 system, has managed to bring about an incredible turnaround that sees Chelsea at the top of the table. And with their seventh Premier League win in a row, they have established themselves as the title front-runners.
The Blues have a fit squad with not much load due to the lack of European football. A settled playing XI and an immensely talent-rich bench make the odds in Chelsea’s favours. While they have been enterprising going forward, they have been equally solid at the back.
With most of their players getting into the groove, they look well and truly on their way to winning the title come May.