Match Report: Fired-up Chelsea swarm Tottenham and force 1-0 win

Chelsea beat Tottenham 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to secure 3 important points and continue their impressive record against their rivals.

It was a pretty ugly game – scrappy and slowed by endless long setups for set pieces and long throws. Tottenham were dreadful in attack and Chelsea not much better. But what made the difference was the Blues’ intensity in pressing and defending.

It was appropriate that their goal came from a high turnover – and even more appropriate that it was Moises Caicedo who created it. The midfielder was at his tenacious best all game, and forced the goal by snapping into three challenges in a row which forced the hesitant Spurs players back. By the time he won the third, he was in on goal and able to direct the ball back to Joao Pedro, who ended his scoring drought with a calm finish.

A nasty tackle on Reece James which could have brought a red card to a frustrated Spurs only fired up Chelsea further, and they didn’t retreat or let their energy levels drop.

With Tottenham finally forced to try and attack, Chelsea had numerous chances to score a second and kill the game, but their infuriating inefficiency in front of goal meant the result was still somewhat in doubt right until the end, despite their dominance.

The win moved Enzo Maresca’s men to fourth, level with Tottenham in the table. On the evidence of this game, however, we should be significantly higher come the end of the season. This was a really important win that Chelsea need to build from.

MOTM – Moises Caicedo

Analysis

Chelsea solidified their midfield by putting Reece James in alongside Caicedo, and the approach paid off. The Blues dominated physically and in duels, and while their finishing left a lot to be desired, their mentality and organisation in swarming Spurs was excellent.

Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah added to the solid spine and Robert Sanchez was excellent collecting crosses and high balls all game.

If this level can be maintained this team can go far – but we’re cautious of predicting too much given how often we’ve seen them slump back to their bad old ways in the past.

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