Enzo Maresca saw his side take all three points back home across London with a 1-0 win over Spurs.
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Chelsea will be grateful for a simple 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening following dramatic matches against Sunderland and Wolves over the past week.
The Blues were more dominant than the scoreline gives them credit in north London, outclassing a Spurs side that struggled for ideas against the organised visitors. A Joao Pedro goal was all it took to separate the two sides as Chelsea moved level on points with Thomas Frank’s side.
A flurry of late chances could have seen Chelsea go two or three up but a confident showing will please Enzo Maresca ahead of another two games in the space of a week. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated.
Chelsea Player Ratings
GK: Robert Sanchez, 9
Chelsea need this Robert Sanchez every week. Confident when collecting crosses. Some good distribution too, but not really tested by a toothless Tottenham.
LB: Marc Cucurella, 7
Diligent in his work against Mohammed Kudus, keeping the winger quiet. Was clattered into by the frustrated Spurs star in the second half. Lacked some of his usual attacking threat but a sound outing nonetheles.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah, 8
Applauded by teammates in the second half for an inspired moment of defending, stretching out his leg to nick the ball away in a promising Spurs attack. Strong against Richarlison once the Brazilian came on and alert to the end.
CB: Wesley Fofana, 7
Comfortable at the heart of defence. He’ll have tougher outings this season with Spurs not doing a lot to really make the Chelsea defence think.
RB: Reece James, 9
A captain’s performance tonight with big character. A relief to see him get back up after that nasty Bentancur challenge. Had an influence all over the pitch.
CDM: Moises Caicedo, 8
Easy to see why Caicedo continues to earn plaudits. It was his bulldoggish attitude that saw him hound down the ball for the Chelsea goal, which was the vital moment in the match.
Malo Gusto given standing ovation by Chelsea supporters
CDM: Malo Gusto, 8
Has really stepped up in that midfield role. A big shift that earned him a standing ovation from Chelsea supporters following his substitution in the second half.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho, 7
A really bright start to the game made it feel as if the former Manchester United man would be Chelsea’s principal threat as Djed Spence struggled. Did lose his influence as the game went on before his second half sub.
CAM: Enzo Fernandez, 7
Here, there and everywhere, covering a lot of ground in north London. Had a couple of half chances that he perhaps could have done better from.
RW: Pedro Neto, 7
Always a threat when running thanks to his pace. Had a couple of chances to shoot in the second half and perhaps should have done better from those. Kept running with enthusiasm until late, going down with cramp in the final 10 minutes.
ST: Joao Pedro, 8
Really needed that goal tonight, and took it well. Regularly caused problems for Kevin Danso in particular and often found himself in the right place at the right time. Could have had more goals with another glorious one-on-one chance in injury time.
SUBS: Jamie Gittens, Romeo Lavia, Willian Estevao, Tosin Adarabioyo.
In other news, Chelsea now planning new contract for one of Enzo Maresca's 'favourite players' - and it's not Moises Caicedo.