The Mirror

Enzo Maresca has been in charge of Chelsea for just over a year and has already been compared to some of the best coaches in the world by Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher has praised 'top level' Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, placing him in the same league as Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot.

Carragher was analysing Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Saturday and looked at how the Blues successfully transitioned from defence to attack. After criticising Tottenham's "passive" and defensive approach, Carragher chose to spotlight Maresca's successful coaching of Chelsea, enabling them to control matches when they have the ball.

"I'll tell you a manager who can coach this, and that is Enzo Maresca. We've seen this a lot from Chelsea since he came in, it's nothing new," Carragher told Sky Sports.

"What you see in terms of rotations is: you've got a central midfield player in Reece James, now part of a back three in the middle there, splitting the centre backs.

"You've got your right back [Malo Gusto] - at times you see it with the left back, Cucurella. He's taking up almost right-sided attacking midfield positions. And you've got [Enzo] Fernandez, who spent a lot of time in the game in this [attacking] role, at times pulling wide, but he was also pulling [Joao] Palhinha onto the last line.

"Now what happens: the ball comes in to Joao Pedro, and what you've got now is, that's your centre forward [deep], and your right back is your highest player on the attacking line.

"So when you talk about rotations, this is what the managers at the really top level can do. Pep Guardiola, Arne Slot, Mikel Arteta, Enzo Maresca. They can coach the rotations and the movements."

Despite Chelsea's slender one-goal victory, the scoreline masked their dominance over Tottenham. The Blues generated an impressive expected goals (xG) figure of 3.69, while Spurs managed just 0.11.

Maresca's team enjoyed greater possession, registered more attempts, forced more saves and carved out more clear-cut opportunities than their rivals. It represented total control throughout the 90 minutes.

Speaking after the final whistle, Maresca said: "I'm happy with the one-nil and with the three points, especially because we kept the clean sheet that I think it's something that we need for the future. We knew that we are a team that, at the end, we are going to score goals, but we need to do better defensively.

"The performance was very good, on the ball and off the ball. For sure, the way we tried to press was very important, but I also think that our game against Liverpool off the ball was (a) top game - was very good.

"And you need that. You need that if you want to be close to the top - you need to be defensively solid. As I said, we know that almost always we score goals, but we need also to try to concede less goals."

The result leaves Chelsea in seventh position in the Premier League table, but draws them level on points with Tottenham in sixth place. Both teams have 17 points from their opening 10 games, with the gap to leaders Arsenal at eight points.

Tottenham players Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence were slammed by some supporters after apparently refusing Thomas Frank's demands that they face fans after the loss to Chelsea

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank says that Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence have apologised for their reactions after the defeat by Chelsea. Spurs were beaten 1-0 by the Blues in the Premier League on Saturday evening in a dismal performance that saw the home side booed off by their fans.

Things got worse post-match for Frank after a video of captain Van de Ven and Spence apparently ignoring his instructions to face the supporters went viral. The two Spurs defenders were seen dejectedly trudging down the tunnel, rather than staying on the pitch with their team-mates after the final whistle.

It painted a bad picture of the team morale and of Frank’s leadership, but the Dane says the incident is history after the players apologised. “Micky and Djed came into my office yesterday unprompted and just said they wanted to say sorry for the situation,” he told reporters ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League game against Copenhagen on Tuesday.

“They didn't want it to look bad or disrespectful, or any kind of perception you can get in this beautiful media world. That was not their intention to me, the team or the club. They were just frustrated by the performance, loss and the booing during the game.”

Asked how important it was that the duo came to see him of their own accord, Frank added: “If they didn’t come in then I’d have had to ask them about the situation of them walking in, what they were feeling and why they were doing it, because we all have a perception – and we do that strongly; because their mum wasn’t well, or they didn’t like the head coach, or they were irritated with the performance because they lost, or whatever. We’re very good at that and yet none of us know.

“Of course I’m happy [they came in] because I knew the question would come today. That means they care and I think that’s very good, that they care about the team, the club and in this case, me.

“We had a good talk about a lot of things and like with everything, we keep it internally. Like I said to the players, it would be very very very unusual if I ever throw a player under the bus. We’re all human and I’ll always protect them.”

Frank accepted that boos were “more than fair” after they struggled massively against Chelsea, who won thanks to Joao Pedro’s goal. The away side should have won by a greater margin, but spurned several good opportunities.

The Spurs boss called on the supporters to channel their frustrations in the right way when Copenhagen arrive on Tuesday night. "During the game, we need the fans,” he said.

Chelsea ran out 1-0 winners over Tottenham on Saturday evening courtesy of Joao Pedro's first-half winner but the victory was far more comfortable than the scoreline suggests

Robert Sanchez insists Chelsea have the best midfielder in world football in "animal" Moises Caicedo. The all-action Ecuadorian was the beating heart of the Blues' derby triumph at Tottenham, completing seven recoveries while also making four interceptions on top of his match-clinching assist for Joao Pedro.

Goalkeeper Sanchez said of Caicedo after Pedro's first-half winner earned Chelsea all three points: "I don't really need to talk about him but he's an actual animal. He's the best player on the planet in his position.

"He's one of the best in the world, who is better than him in that position? He's a beast. Every 50-50, every challenge he wins and is so composed on the ball."

Sanchez also notes that Caicedo is still the same humble, softly-spoken character he first encountered in the canteen at Brighton when he was first acclimatising to the Premier League.

He added: "I haven't seen him change much. As a player and as a character, he's always been the same, hard work, effort, quiet but a very good guy.

"Obviously, he's filled out with his body a bit more with age and with experience, he's just got better and better on the pitch.

"His confidence has also gone higher and higher. He's a boss at winning the midfield."

Only Arsenal have scored more Premier League goals than Tottenham from corners since the beginning of last season but Sanchez dominated his box to nullify Spurs' set-piece threat and earn a priceless clean sheet.

Slowly but surely, the big Spaniard is beginning to win over supporters, too. He continued: "I enjoyed myself. When you play for one of the best teams in the world, a massive club, you're always going to be under pressure when the team or you don't perform.

"Obviously, being the last line of defence, normally you get the blame for it, even if it's not yours but that's the life I choose, that's what I like and I enjoy it.

"I've got the confidence of my boys, the manager and the club to keep doing as good as I'm doing. "The whole entrance into Chelsea for me personally, was difficult. I came in a rush, only had about three days of training on how to start with a new manager, a new team and it was a bit of a struggle. "I got used to it then got a massive injury on my knee around Christmas which put me out for the rest of the season.

"Then I came back, got stronger, then a new manager came in again and new signings, so I had to start again. Now, I'm doing good."

Chelsea's dominant display - alongside the 4-3 Carabao Cup triumph at Wolves - was the perfect response to last weekend's shock 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Sunderland.

Sanchez insists Enzo Maresca is delighted with the way his Club World Cup champions have bounced back. The 27-year-old shot-stopper said when quizzed on what his manager said in the dressing room post-match: "He said that it was amazing, that we had an unbelievable reaction.

"He said if we play like this every game, it's pretty hard to lose a game. The 50-50s, challenges, set-pieces, helping everyone, creating chances.

"Against Sunderland we needed to do better and just learn from it. We've struggled this week mentally but at the same time, we've pushed hard to get those three points today."

Spurs were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in a London derby that saw them booed off by their own fans, with Thomas Frank left frustrated

Alan Shearer has voiced his opinion on the eye-catching behaviour of Tottenham's players following their 1-0 loss to Chelsea on Saturday. Enzo Maresca's men netted the only goal of the match 34 minutes in, owing to a series of errors from the home side.

Djed Spence initially lost possession and, though Spurs managed to regain control, Xavi Simons then under-hit a pass to team-mate Micky van de Ven. The Dutch defender subsequently lost the ball while attempting to dribble past Moises Caicedo, who set up Joao Pedro for what proved to be the decisive goal.

Tottenham struggled to create any significant opportunities, with only a few attempts from Mohammed Kudus before half-time. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was their saving grace - preventing a more substantial defeat by making several saves, primarily from goal-scorer Pedro.

Spurs' players Spence and van der Ven chose not to join manager, Thomas Frank, in applauding Tottenham fans after the match, which was met with loud boos at the final whistle. They also declined to shake hands with their head coach, prompting Shearer to share his thoughts on their post-match conduct.

"They [Tottenham] were an embarrassment. They have been booed off the pitch," he commented on BBC's Match of the Day (MOTD).

"I get they want to go out, they want to get off the pitch and they want to get in the dressing room and then say their sorries [apologies] later on.

"I get it and understand it. As much as Thomas Frank likes to go around and thank fans and clap them, I get the players' point-of-view that they've been absolutely awful and they want to get off the pitch as quick as possible."

Former Swansea City defender Ashley Williams also believed the Tottenham players' actions weren't meant as a slight against their boss. That's despite Frank urging them to acknowledge the supporters.

He added: "I don't think it's... [a big issue]. Just play better, that's the main thing.

"You've played badly in a derby. You want to get back in the dressing room.

"They're frustrated. That's nothing to do or anything personal against the manager, or the fans.

"They just want to get inside."

Chelsea got back to winning ways in the Premier League as they beat rivals Tottenham on Saturday evening with one Blues star in particular catching the eye of Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca claims man-of-the-moment Moises Caicedo is one of the best midfielders in the world after his latest starring performance. The Ecuadorian midfielder was at the heart of things on Saturday - as Chelsea beat Tottenham 1-0 in North London.

It was just the latest in a series of brilliant performances from the former Brighton player, who now finally appears to be living up to his £115m transfer fee. Boss Maresca is clearly a huge fan, and has suggested that nobody betters Caicedo's talent.

Speaking after his side's win vs Spurs, the Italian coach said: "Moi, I think he's showing how good he is. He's top. I said many times, the best thing from Moi, for sure, we judge him inside the pitch, but he's so humble, he's such a good guy, he's always there to help everyone.

"And I just said to the television interviewer that, for me, him and [Manchester City's] Rodri, in this moment, they are the two best defensive midfielders in the world."

It wasn't just Maresca that hailed Caicedo following his latest stand-out outing. He was roundly praised by Jamie Redknapp, who also claimed that the midfielder was in a league of his own right now.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "[He's] world class. I would go as far as to say right now, the best of his type in world football. Just absolutely phenomenal, the way he covers ground, his desire, his quality on the ball, putting out fires for his team, chasing lost causes, strength on the ball, always making the right pass.

"I just thought he was magnificent today. And he's a dream. When you're playing as a defender and you've got someone like that hoovering up in front of you and adding quality like that, it's just a dream, an absolute dream.

"He took a little while to settle - but now I'm thinking he's one of the best. They've had Kante, Makelele, some of the best defensive midfield players in that club over the last few years.

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"He's 23 [24], absolutely magnificent in every department. That's what you need. If you're going to go anywhere and win competitions, you need those sorts of players."

Caicedo, 24, has made 14 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea so far this season and has already scored four goals - the most productive campaign of his campaign at Stamford Bridge so far. He will be aiming to keep up his hot form in midweek as Chelsea meet Qarabag in the Champions League.

Tottenham were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea with Thomas Frank's side failing to register a single shot on target as they slipped to a third defeat of the season

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has reacted to what appeared to be Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence snubbing him at the final whistle of Spurs' disappointing loss to Chelsea. Joao Pedro netted the game's only goal, with Spurs lucky to lose by just a single goal.

Spurs managed a mere three shots on goal, with only one hitting the target. The defeat to their London rivals means they haven't tasted victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the league since the season's first day.

Frank's tactical plans were disrupted early when Lucas Bergvall was forced off due to a concussion. Xavi Simons was brought on, but the summer recruit failed to make an impact before being substituted himself. Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, both returning from injury, were introduced in an attempt to help Spurs build from the back, but the Lilywhites continued to struggle with possession.

The frustration felt by the Tottenham players - evidenced by the four yellow cards received and 14 fouls committed - seemed to linger post-match as Van de Ven and Spence ignored Frank while leaving the pitch.

It appeared that Frank wanted the pair to stay on the field and acknowledge the fans, but they chose to walk straight past him and into the tunnel. Spence seemed to mutter something in response, while Van de Ven didn't even acknowledge the Danish manager.

Frank watched the pair for several seconds before continuing his walk, and he has now given his perspective on the incident.

"I think I understand why you ask the question but that's one of the small issues," he said at a press conference. "Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence have performed well this season and it's just a small thing."

It's unlikely to represent any sort of significant behind-the-scenes drama given that Frank and Van de Ven were sharing a laugh together just last weekend following the defender's double in the triumph over Everton.

Nevertheless, it's hardly the ideal image for Spurs with Frank's leadership appearing to have been questioned.

This comes after Pedro Porro beckoned Spence and Randal Kolo Muani over to acknowledge the Tottenham supporters in the away section at St James Park following their 2-0 Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle United earlier this week.

Whilst Spurs have suffered just four defeats this campaign, the displays have been anything but encouraging and they've yet to truly control a match under Frank's guidance.

The fixture list doesn't offer much respite for Spurs as they gear up to take on manchester-united-fc>Manchester United, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United during the coming month.

TOTTENHAM 0-1 CHELSEA: Joao Pedro struck the winner for the away side as wretched Spurs recorded their lowest xG (0.05) in the Premier League since the 2012-13 season

Europa League glory was supposed to represent a turning point in Tottenham's history. But outside of switching head coaches and the shock departure of Daniel Levy, not much has actually changed in N17 since that fairytale night in Bilbao.

In fact, in both of Ange Postecoglou's home Premier League meetings against Chelsea, Spurs led and took the game to their rivals in two pulsating, goal-heavy thrillers.

Here they barely laid a glove on the Blues and had just one shot on target in one of the most comfortable 1-0 wins you're ever likely to see. When Tottenham unveiled Thomas Frank as their new boss in June, the club described him as "one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game."

Outside of improving their set-piece record, there hasn't been much to shout about and the football is rather bland.

Spurs were booed off and it was somewhat telling that when the team were pushing for a goal in stoppage time, home fans were already leaving in their droves.

Tottenham are missing eight first-team players through injury, some of which are of notable quality, but that serves as no excuse as this side appears to be starved of all inspiration.

It's a poor reflection of the Premier League that this Spurs team started the weekend in third position as they have now won just three of their past 19 league matches.

Incredibly, no top-flight side has claimed more away points (13) than Tottenham in the Premier League this season but equally, only Nottingham Forest, Wolves and West Ham - all of which occupy the bottom three - have taken less points at home than Spurs (four).

With matches against the much-improved Manchester United, Arsenal and PSG on the horizon, this could all get rather ugly for Frank if he's not careful.

It's hard to recall too many instances where he has lost his cool over the years. However, when Chelsea were gifted a 34th-minute opener, the Dane thumped a water bottle and charged back to his seat in a huff. It was hard to blame him because it was self-sabotage from Spurs.

First Djed Spence tried a hopeless drag back, Xavi Simons' weak pass to Micky van de Ven was undercooked and instead of just clearing his lines, the Dutchman attempted to run through Moises Caicedo. Joao Pedro gratefully slammed home after great work from the Ecuador international midfielder but make no mistake, this was farcical defending at any level, let alone in a fiercely contested crunch London derby.

Mohammed Kudus was Tottenham's light in the dark because outside of the Ghanaian's purposeful dribbling and two long-range first-half efforts, Spurs were wretched to watch. It was actually hard to establish exactly what they were trying to do because they did not appear to be capable of playing through Chelsea's defensive structure.

Simons, who replaced Bergvall after just seven minutes, was lightweight on the Tottenham left in a match where he had so much to prove against the side that were so keen on signing him in the summer. When Simons was hooked after hacking down Alejandro Garnacho to cap a dismal display, the Blues must have felt somewhat vindicated that they swerved a big-money transfer deal.

Tottenham's left flank - made up of two right-footed players in Simons and Spence - was all too predictable while dangerous Chelsea looked capable of wreaking havoc every time they launched a speedy breakaway.

If Enzo Maresca's Club World Cup champions brought their finishing boots, they would have run riot because they passed up so many opportunities to add gloss to the scoreline. Spurs were not only outplayed but outfought and even when they did stick a foot in, it was plain stupidity.

Rodrigo Bentancur could have been sent off for nailing Reece James, Kudus needlessly smashed Marc Cucurella and Spence left one on Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea have now won 10 of their past 12 matches in all competitions against Tottenham. It truly has become one of their easiest fixtures and that is something that Spurs supporters will find so difficult to live with.

Rodrigo Bentancur's late challenge on Reece James was judged to be reckless but not serious foul play, at the end of the first half between Tottenham and Chelsea. The midfielder was shown a yellow card for his tackle, leaving the Blues' captain frustrated with the decision.

The Spurs midfielder stopped a Chelsea break with his late tackle as players from both sides came together following the challenge. But Jarred Gillett only brandished a caution to the Uruguay international and saw his decision confirmed by his video assistant referee.

Trevoh Chalobah was also shown a yellow for his reaction as the Chelsea defender got in Bentancur's face to illustrate his issues. James initially believed he was being shown yellow for appealing for his opponent to be sent off after spending time on the floor, but it was his team-mate who was punished.

While Bentancur appeared to go in with his studs towards James' ankle, his action was deemed not to be 'serious foul play'. The referee's decision was deemed sufficient by VAR.

Premier League Match Centre said: "The referee’s call of yellow card to Bentancur was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be a reckless challenge and not serious foul play."

Former Spurs ace Jamie Redknapp believes a red card would have been shown if the tackle had been higher. "He knows he's leaving a little bit on him," he said.

"He's late, he's aggressive, he's over the top of the ball. A little bit higher, it's a red card."

Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believed it looked worse on replays. "It catches him on the ankle and it'll be a sore one for him. It looks worse in slow motion," he said.

Chelsea led the clash at the time of the incident, having opened the scoring through Joao Pedro. The Brazilian forward broke his two-month goalscoring duck after 35 minutes thanks to Moises Caicedo's relentless pressing.

"Chelsea have been really good, pressing high," said Daniel Sturridge. "They've controlled the game well but I've been really impressed by the pressing.

"Joao Pedro's composure is improving... he's gaining his confidence throughout the games. He's done well so far. He'll be excited for the second half."

Yves Bissouma was the catalyst for Tottenham's collapse against Chelsea last season as the Blues went from 2-0 down to 4-3 up in a showdown for the ages

Tottenham host Chelsea on Saturday evening, with new manager Thomas Frank hoping to avoid a repeat of the mistakes Spurs made during the fixture last season. Back in December, Spurs midfielder Yves Bissouma had to apologise after his part in his side's collapse against the Blues, despite taking a 2-0 lead within 12 minutes.

Last year, then-manager Ange Postecoglou watched as his side collapsed to a 4-3 defeat after they gave away two penalties for Chelsea to take advantage of. Bissouma was at fault for the first spot-kick as he fouled Moises Caicedo on the hour mark, allowing Cole Palmer to equalise.

The game ended 4-3 to the Blues and Bissouma took to social media afterwards to apologise to both team-mates and fans for his needless challenge that sparked the comeback. He wrote: "I'm so sad for that mistake it's burning me because we lost the game today from this mistake.

"I feel sorry for my team-mates, staff and fans. I take all the responsibility for that one. I'll learn from this one, it's time now to show the real me. Thanks for all the support."

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher was one of many people to criticise Bissouma's flailing mistake in the penalty area, controversially claiming the midfielder was "brain dead" for making the tackle.

Speaking on Sky Sports at the time, the ex-Red said: "I've said all day that some of the things Tottenham players do is absolutely ridiculous.

"It's a certain penalty, and it was his (Bissouma's) mistake initially on the far side, losing the ball to [Pedro] Neto. And he maybe comes flying across thinking, 'I've got to try and rectify this in some way'. He was really poor on the first challenge on Neto. That is absolutely brain dead. I mean, who'd be a manager?"

Postecoglou, Bissouma's manager at the time, was also angered by the mistake and stated it was "unnecessary." The former Spurs boss said: "In the second half they came out and put us under pressure.

"I felt we were handling it not too badly and then when they scored we had a big moment at 2-2 to go 3-2 up and in these kind of games, those moments are important. We don't take it and then both penalties were poor on our behalf.

"They're self-inflicted and unnecessary challenges. We've given them two goals away for no reason and given ourselves a mountain to climb which proved too hard."

Bissouma will not feature in Saturday evening's match due to an ankle injury as the two sides meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium once again.

But fans will be hoping that they put on a performance full of action like they did last year. Given they've each scored 17 goals in nine games, fireworks can be expected.

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has been ruled out of the Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening, but he has kept himself entertained ahead of the derby

Chelsea ace Cole Palmer has playfully wound up Tottenham supporters before Saturday's London derby. The Blues head to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (5:30pm kick-off), desperate to bounce back in the Premier League following their 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland last weekend.

Meanwhile, Spurs know victory over their London neighbours would catapult them into second spot in the table. One player who'll be absent from the derby is Palmer, who's been battling a groin problem for most of the campaign.

The Chelsea midfielder was hastily rushed back from the physio room in September, only to worsen the issue seven days later. However, that hasn't prevented Palmer from delivering a cheeky reminder to Spurs about what unfolded in the corresponding fixture last term ahead of Saturday evening's showdown.

The 23-year-old posted a crying with laughter emoji on his Instagram story whilst resharing a 'last time out at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium' highlights reel, featuring his audacious Panenka penalty straight down the centre during a thrilling 4-3 triumph for the Blues.

Whilst Chelsea boast a superb historical record against Spurs, manager Enzo Maresca expects the encounter will be 'difficult' for his squad.

"Tottenham, I think they are doing very good," he said in Friday's pre-match press conference. "They finished last season winning the Europa League.

"They started very good this season and also because it's a derby for sure it would be a difficult game."

Palmer won't be the sole missing player for Maresca's squad. Forward Liam Delap faces suspension for the Premier League encounter following his red card against Wolves during Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie.

Maresca delivered a sharp critique of the striker's judgement that led to the dismissal, and has now been questioned once more regarding his remarks.

"Probably because I'm not from England so sometimes when I try to translate from Italian to English sometimes it's a bit different," he said.

"Liam when he's inside the pitch is more focused to do his battle against the central defender than the rest.

"This was what I was telling, what I was trying to say after that game."