Had Chelsea’s game against Wolves in the League Cup earlier this week ended right after the first half, the Blues fanbase would arrive at today’s match against Tottenham Hotspur at their turf in the Premier League with much more confidence. Our second half performance in that match managed to steal our thunder.
Under former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, this iteration of our North London rivals look and play much better than under Ange Postecoglou. They have been fighting neck and neck for a top four spot, beating the rest of the (several) teams also in the mix on slim margins. Much like us under Enzo Maresca this season.
We had a point to prove. Beyond the sake of getting three points from a direct rival to a Champions League berth next season, which suffices as a reason to do our best, we also needed to keep the winning streak at the brand new Spurs stadium going much like we did in the old one.
It was an even match-up across the pitch but in attack, where the Blues with João Pedro upfront had something to show while Spurs and Randal Kolo Muani struggled to make up for it. In the second great chance he got in the area, the young Brazilian striker got us the lead with great aid from Moisés Caicedo.
The second half was pretty much a “rinse and repeat” of the first one sans a Chelsea goal. An incredibly toothless and ever-nervous Spurs couldn’t do much in our defensive third, and Chelsea could have turned this into a full thrashing if the hosts didn’t have Guglielmo Vicario between the posts.
Carefree!
João Pedro upfront, Reece James in midfield with Enzo Fernández playing further forward.
A true striker’s goal from João Pedro.
Spurs seem to love losing their minds and getting red cards whenever they face us. You have to wonder how Rodrigo Bentancur escaped his with a full stomp on Reece’s ankle in the first half.
Next up: Qarabag away in the Champions League.
KTBFFH!
Carregando…