London Evening Standard

Though he got back up, Bergvall continued to walk around in unsteady fashion as he held the side of his head, with Tottenham’s medical staff carrying out the necessary concussion checks during an early delay to the game.

It was decided that Bergvall would need to be withdrawn, despite the player arguing with Spurs’ medical team both on the pitch and again on the sidelines, twice appearing to push away the arm of the club doctor as he appealed to head coach Thomas Frank to be allowed to go back on.

However, Frank heeded the advice of his medical personnel and sent on Xavi Simons in a concussion substitute as a frustrated Bergvall went straight down the tunnel.

“That was a concussion,” Frank said. “So he totally couldn't stay on and I think the medical team did a good job in that aspect.

“Of course, we would have loved to have him continue. That's why we picked him in the starting XI. Unfortunately, that couldn't happen. So others will step in. Xavi knew the game plan.”

Bergvall now looks set to miss Tuesday’s latest Champions League league phase meeting at home to FC Copenhagen in addition to the visit of resurgent Manchester United to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League next weekend.

That game is followed by the November international break, after which Spurs head to Arsenal for the first north London derby of the season before travelling to meet holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

It is the latest blow in an injury-plagued season so far for Tottenham, who did at least see influential captain Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Odobert all return off the bench against Chelsea and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario declared fit to continue after needing treatment in the first half following a recent knock.

The Blues captain, ordinarily a right-back, lined up in a double midfield pivot alongside the influential Moises Caicedo for Saturday evening’s London derby clash in the Premier League, with Enzo Fernandez playing in a more advanced role alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto, in support of lone striker Joao Pedro.

And James delivered a combative performance in a position he has fulfilled on a number of occasions now under Maresca, once more showcasing his valuable versatility as Chelsea won away at Tottenham again thanks to a first-half winner from Joao Pedro, who ended his 10-game goal drought after Caicedo had forced a costly error from Micky van de Ven inside the penalty area.

Asked why he opted to deploy his skipper in the middle against Spurs as Malo Gusto took over at right-back, Maresca explained that he was looking for Chelsea to present a more physical edge against the likes of Pape Matar Sarr, Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur, the latter of whom was fortunate not to be sent off for a poor first-half challenge on James.

The Italian admitted that he was surprised to see Tottenham opt for four central midfielders from the off as Lucas Bergvall also started, though the Swedish international was forced out in a matter of minutes due to a head injury and replaced by the ineffective Xavi Simons, who himself was substituted in the second half.

“It depends a little bit on the game plan,” Maresca said of playing James in midfield. “I think today we needed a little bit more physicality in the middle.

“We expect them to play with Sarr, with Bentancur, with Palhinha. We didn't expect them with four midfielders, because then Bergvall also played.

“So we needed a little bit more physicality in the middle. But it depends a little bit on the game plan.

“I think Reece is doing fantastic when he's playing midfielder, he's doing fantastic when he's playing full-back, and he's doing fantastic in terms of leadership with the players inside the changing room.”

Toothless Spurs record lowest-ever xG and heavily booed on dismal evening as dreadful home form continues

Work to do: Thomas Frank must find a way to quickly improve Tottenham’s wretched home form after Chelsea loss

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Matt Verri

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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A turgid Tottenham performance and defeat by Chelsea represented the worst night of Thomas Frank’s reign.

Spurs have already lost to Bournemouth and Aston Villa at home this season but this, considering the occasion and the opposition, was particularly painful.

Efforts were made pre-match to boost the atmosphere, with the music inside the stadium stopped early. The problem was the players did not start.

There were boos at the break and then again when the referee called time on a 1-0 Chelsea win, courtesy of Joao Pedro’s first-half strike.

Spurs still sit third in the Premier League table but performances like this will not keep them there.

Miserable records continue

Spurs came into the match looking to improve on two shocking runs. One was the home form, which shows no sign of improving. From five matches in front of their own fans this season, Spurs have picked up four points. Only Burnley, who sit 17th in the table, have been beaten.

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Spurs seem to shrink on home soil, particularly when the atmosphere turns edgy. It is a long-standing issue, with the team picking up just three wins from their last 19 Premier League matches at home.

Until Frank turns that around, there is a low ceiling on what his Spurs side can achieve.

It was also yet another miserable evening against Chelsea, who Spurs have beaten just once in the Premier League since 2018. They have now lost three in a row against the Blues and there was a grim inevitability about this result.

Spurs go backwards

There had been promising signs for Spurs in the past week. With a slightly tweaked system consisting of two No10 in possession, Spurs looked more fluid from open play against both Everton and Newcastle.

This, though, was a big step back in more ways than one. Spurs offered nothing in the way of creativity. They trailed for nearly an hour and yet managed a total of three shots and just one on target.

Chelsea’s xG finished at 2.92 - Spurs mustered just 0.05. Per Opta, that was their lowest in the Premier League since records started in the 2012-13 season.

Tough night: Randal Kolo Muani cut an isolated figure up front for Spurs in London derby

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It was not particularly clear what the plan was. Spurs went long to Randal Kolo Muani, but he was isolated and could do little with it.

There was huge frustration around the stands when Rodrigo Bentancur turned backwards in the first half and passed to Guglielmo Vicario. Spurs looked scared in possession, with too few players showing for the ball.

A stoppage-time free-kick offered a late chance to get the ball into the Chelsea box. Instead it was taken short, played back to Vicario and eventually launched into Robert Sanchez's hands.

That summed up a dismal night for Spurs.

Vicario keeps it respectable

The list of Spurs positives was a fairly short one. Vicario's name might have been the only one on it.

Had the Italian not been in superb form again, this could have been a really heavy defeat for Spurs.

After a poor Pedro Porro clearance was charged down in the first half, Vicario came out to deny Pedro. He then made a brilliant reaction save to keep out another Pedro effort just before the break.

Lone bright spot: Guglielmo Vicario’s latest fine display was the only positive for Tottenham against Chelsea

John Walton/PA Wire

Spurs were ragged late on and Chelsea should have put some gloss on the scoreline.

Twice in stoppage time they went clean through. The first chance was blazed over by Jamie Gittens, before Vicario made a sublime stop from Pedro.

Spurs could have lost by three, four or even more against Monaco a couple of weeks ago had it not been for Vicario. This was a similar story.

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Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith

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Chelsea moved up to fourth in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win away to Tottenham.

The Blues, who enjoyed the better of the first half, took the lead in the 34th minute after Joao Pedro finished coolly, having been found in the area by Moises Caicedo.

Tottenham came out searching for an equaliser in the second half, but were unable to manage a single shot on target as Chelsea held on to move level on points with their London rivals.

Here are three things Standard Sport learned from Chelsea’s win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...

Sanchez impresses as Chelsea neutralise set-piece threat

It was always going to be important for Chelsea to defend their box with confidence if they were to get the better of Tottenham, and Robert Sanchez’s assertive performance helped the Blues deal with their London rivals’ set-piece threat.

Only Arsenal and Chelsea have scored more Premier League goals from corners this season than Tottenham, who have also utilised long throws to great effect.

Towering: Robert Sanchez

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Chelsea were expected to struggle with Tottenham’s set-piece threat, but with Sanchez between the sticks, they rarely looked troubled.

The Spaniard has come in for his fair share of criticism in a Chelsea shirt, but he produced a dominant performance, coming off his line well to claim a number of crosses, as Chelsea limited Tottenham to just one shot on target.

Sanchez’s distribution has also come under fire, but against Tottenham, he got Chelsea moving forward quickly, releasing Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho into space at every opportunity.

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Chelsea have been guilty of inviting pressure on themselves, but that wasn’t the case tonight, with Sanchez providing a solid base from which the Blues could build.

Maresca has stood by Sanchez, and his faith was rewarded here with the Chelsea goalkeeper putting in an assured display.

Joao Pedro finds shooting boots

After a lucrative start to his Chelsea career, the goals dried up for Joao Pedro, with Enzo Maresca stating the Brazilian could not be relied upon to score 20 goals a season for the Blues.

The 24-year-old, who has been nursing a groin issue, has not looked like the same player he was when his goals propelled Chelsea to Club World Cup glory in July.

All smiles: Joao Pedro

REUTERS

But he responded emphatically to his critics with his first goal since August, giving Chelsea the lead after 34 minutes.

Against Sunderland, Joao Pedro was deployed in a supporting role and struggled to influence the game, playing off of the inexperienced Marc Guiu.

However, leading the line at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he looked back to his best and could easily have had three goals in a first half that Chelsea had the better of.

There are still questions over Joao Pedro, who should have wrapped up the three points deep in stoppage-time, but he proved his worth with a battling performance as Chelsea held out for a much-needed three points.

Chelsea continue excellent record against Tottenham

It is now five successive wins for Chelsea against Tottenham, and just one loss in 13 meetings since 2020.

The Blues did not have to be at their best tonight, spurning a couple of gilt-edged chances to put the game to bed, but they were resolute and importantly kept their cool as Tottenham pushed for an equaliser.

Maresca’s side launched a brief title charge off the back of their victory here last season, and while this performance was by no means glittering, it showcased an impressive determination and focus that has been lacking in recent weeks.

Chelsea need to use this result as a springboard towards consistency over a busy winter schedule, with winnable games against Wolves, Burnley, and Leeds to come in their next four league games.

The Blues have always promised to capitalise on results like tonight; now they must come of age and take hold of the opportunity their undoubted talent has afforded them.

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Tottenham 0-1 Chelsea: Blues hold on to see out nervy derby victory as Joao Pedro ends goal drought

Spurs only managed one shot on target in the match

Winner: Joao Pedro

Action Images via Reuters

George Sessions

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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Joao Pedro struck in the 34th minute to help Chelsea inflict more pain on toothless Tottenham with a dominant 1-0 victory to move up to fourth in the Premier League.

Spurs’ horrendous record in this London derby extended after a meek display under new boss Thomas Frank with only one shot on target all match.

Pedro punished slack home defending to break the deadlock 11 minutes before half-time but he could have walked off with a hat-trick after fine saves throughout by Guglielmo Vicario to deny the Brazilian attacker, who ended a recent 10-game goal drought.

Chelsea’s victory makes it five in a row against Tottenham and 10 wins from the last 12 meetings in all competitions, with Maresca’s young team able to bounce back from a disappointing home loss to Sunderland last weekend.

Loud boos greeted full-time as Spurs suffered another home defeat – their third under Frank in seven matches – as fans make their feelings known after another performance which lacked attacking intent in N17.

Tottenham had captain Cristian Romero available again, but he was only on the bench and surprisingly joined by one-time Blues target Xavi Simons.

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Xavi was on the pitch within seven minutes, though, as Lucas Bergvall was forced off despite fierce remonstrations with Spurs’ medical staff with concussion.

The disruption halted momentum, but the visitors soon started to dictate with Vicario forced to get down to save from Alejandro Garnacho before two more stoppages occurred.

Vicario firstly required treatment, but was fine to continue before Tottenham centre-back Kevin Danso had two small bottles thrown at him.

When play did resume, Vicario was required to make an ever better save in the 31st minute after Pedro Porro’s intercepted pass went straight to Pedro, who was brilliantly denied by the Spurs goalkeeper.

Three minutes later and the deadlock was broken as Chelsea claimed a deserved opener via Pedro.

It was a catalogue of errors from Tottenham, with Djed Spence and Xavi sloppy on the ball before Micky van de Ven’s decision to try and dribble past Moses Caicedo was misjudged. The midfielder won back possession and teed up Pedro for a simple opener.

Pedro nearly made it 2-0 after 43 minutes, but his half-volley was expertly tipped over by Vicario.

The derby sparked into life when Rodrigo Bentancur’s poor tackle on Reece James only resulted in a yellow card, which infuriated the visitors and they almost conceded deep into first-half stoppage time.

Randal Kolo Muani and Pape Sarr combined to set up Mohammed Kudus, who had a curled effort parried wide by Robert Sanchez.

Tottenham failed to kick on after the restart with Bentancur unable to capitalise from Danso’s long throw before Frank turned to his bench with Romero and Richarlison sent on after an hour.

Chances remained at a premium with cautions more frequent as Xavi and Fernandez were shown yellow cards – the latter for a tackle which grazed the knee of Palhinha.

The visitors should have put the game to bed in the 74th minute when Pedro Neto fashioned a yard of space in the area, but Vicario saved his effort before away captain James curled over.

Frank had rolled the dice for the last time moments earlier in an effort to raise a grand finale, but instead Tottenham wasted two free-kick chances late on and Chelsea should have added a second in stoppage time.

Substitute Jamie Gittens blazed over with the goal at his mercy after a fine pass by Pedro, who was thwarted one final time by the excellent Vicario to ensure it finished 1-0.

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Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Chelsea moved up to fourth in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win away to Tottenham.

Chelsea had the better of a stop-start first half and took the lead in the 34th minute after Joao Pedro finished coolly, having been found in the area by Moises Caicedo.

Tottenham came out searching for an equaliser, but could not muster a shot on target in the second half as Chelsea held on for a crucial three points.

The result sees Chelsea bounce back from their shock defeat to Sunderland last weekend and extend their winning run over Tottenham to five games.

Standard Sport’s Sam Tabuteau was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rate the Chelsea players...

Robert Sanchez 8

Strong when claiming crosses and quick to get Chelsea moving forward with his distribution. A really assertive performance from the Chelsea ‘keeper.

Malo Gusto 7

A solid defensive performance from Gusto, who made the joint most tackles of any Chelsea player before his withdrawal in the 76th minute.

Wesley Fofana 7

Helped Chelsea build through the lines by stepping inside with the ball. Gave the Blues pace and athleticism at the back. When he is at his best, he offers so much to Chelsea’s defence.

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Trevoh Chalobah 7

First to every ball as Chelsea dealt well with Tottenham’s set-piece threat. Picked up a silly yellow card for his part in the scuffle that stemmed from Bentancur’s poor tackle.

Marc Cucurella 7

A typically busy performance from the Spaniard, who mopped up every loose ball in what was a physical game.

Battling: Marc Cucurella kept Tottenham’s attack at bay

John Walton/PA Wire

Reece James 7

On the end of a strong challenge from Rodrigo Bentancur in the first half, it was a combative performance from James in midfield. Fired over a presentable chance from the edge of the box.

Moises Caicedo 9

Aggressive in the tackle, he showed great tenacity to win the ball back twice in the build-up to Chelsea’s opening goal. Supremely calm under pressure. He was everywhere in the second half, nicking the ball, drawing fouls, and driving Chelsea up the pitch.

Pedro Neto 6

More involved in the second half and will have been annoyed not to have made contact with Garnacho’s cross into the six-yard box. Will feel he could have done better when found free in the area by Fernandez.

Enzo Fernandez 7

Got Chelsea’s wingers running in behind with some smart passes and quick touches. Headed over from close range in the second half. Picked up a yellow for a poor challenge on Palhinha.

Derby delight: Enzo Fernandez starred at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

REUTERS

Alejandro Garnacho 7

Has clearly earned the trust of Maresca, with this his fourth successive start in the Premier League. Found some really nice spaces, but could have made more of the opportunities. Worked hard out of possession, which will have pleased Maresca.

Joao Pedro 8

Spurned the first big chance of the game, but made no mistake at the second time of asking to give Chelsea the lead with his first goal since August. Forced a good save from Vicario before half-time. Less involved as Chelsea looked to hold on to their lead in the second half.

Substitutes:

Jamie Gittens 6

Chelsea’s hero in the Carabao Cup in midweek, he got Tottenham’s defence working back towards their own goal. Missed an absolute sitter to seal the three points. Far from a dazzling cameo, but overall a positive one.

Romeo Lavia 6

Added some energy and control to Chelsea’s midfield.

Estevao 6

Provided an option on the break, but didn’t see much of the ball as Chelsea looked to shut up shop.

Tosin N/A

Came on to shore up Chelsea’s defence in the closing stages.

Not used: Jorgensen, Guiu, Hato, Santos, Acheampong

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Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith

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Approaching the 10-game mark of the Premier League season, we are no closer to understanding quite where Chelsea’s ceiling lies than we were in August.

They are, on their day, one of the most exhilarating teams in the division - joint top scorers with Manchester City and today’s opponents, Tottenham.

As the Blues showed away to Wolves in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, they can go from back to front in an instant, leaving opponents bloodied and breathless.

However, as ferocious as they are in attack, they are just as quick to anger, and Liam Delap’s dismissal against Wolves - branded “stupid” by Enzo Maresca - highlighted a growing disciplinary problem that continues to undermine their progress under Enzo Maresca.

“I think that some of the red cards that we concede, we can avoid it,” Maresca admitted in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

The Club World Cup champions were meant to be among the challengers for the league title, but following their shock defeat to Sunderland last weekend, they enter tonight’s game with Tottenham three points and six places behind their London rivals.

Rash: Chelsea continue to be held back by their own indiscipline

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Chelsea have the upper hand in this fixture, having won their last four games against Tottenham and losing just once in 12 games since 2020.

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They launched genuine, if fleeting, title talk with a 4-3 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last December.

However, despite the promise they have shown under Maresca, questions remain, and they head into Saturday’s trip to north London no clearer as to their aspirations this season.

Chelsea’s young squad are learning. Maresca said that they will learn from their second-half performance at Molineux, in which they shipped three goals and were reduced to 10 men.

“The first half was completely under control. In the second half, after the goal we conceded, we panicked a little bit. This is part of the process of this squad.

“We had one player born in [2007], three players ‘06, four players ‘04, one player ‘03, another player ‘02, and the oldest player ‘97. The second-oldest player born in 02. It’s part of their learning process.

“It’s normal. They are human beings, they are young, they need to improve, they need to understand, they need to live through some extra things to get better.”

Hit and miss: Chelsea’s youngsters have impressed this season despite struggling for consistency

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

He added that they will have to learn not to be so rash in their decision-making, with Delap’s sending off the fifth time a Chelsea player has seen red figuratively and literally this season.

“It's also something that we need to learn. Something that we have to do better. And for sure, no doubt that in the future we're going to be better also on that.”

Chelsea are still figuring out what the season has in store for them, but one thing they are sure of is that they want to play with the ball.

In this regard, Maresca was defiant: “In the future we are going to be fantastic. I prefer the ball as much as we can.”

Chelsea are also mindful of Tottenham’s threat from long throw-ins, having conceded from throws in each of their last two games, but have not yet been seduced by their effectiveness this season. “Everyone is trying to use different weapons.”

Maresca wants total control. But to get that, he must first get his players to control their emotions and the fine margins.

Both of these things will be put to the test in what promises to be a fiery encounter with a Tottenham side who have taken 13 points from their last 18 home games, struggling for control on home soil.

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Matt Verri

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Whatever form the two clubs are in, however strong the squads are, Tottenham's matches with Chelsea have one overarching theme. Spurs, somehow, find a way to lose.

There was last year's 4-3 defeat on home soil, when Spurs went 2-0 up early on and then fell behind 4-2. Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both picked up injuries and did not play for another three months to sum up a disastrous December evening.

The season before, at around this time of year, Spurs were beaten 4-1 in truly farcical fashion. Again Spurs took the lead and again they collapsed, Romero and Destiny Udogie both shown red cards. Oh, and Van de Ven and James Maddison both suffered significant injuries.

Spurs fans can be forgiven, then, if Chelsea's visit to north London this evening is not one they are exactly relishing.

Chelsea have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League matches against Spurs, who have made a habit of derby disappointment.

Happy hunting ground: Chelsea have a knack for beating Spurs away

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Ange Postecoglou lost all four of his matches against Chelsea. Antonio Conte's only win came when he was at home recovering from gallbladder surgery. Nuno Espirito Santo got one attempt and lost 3-0 and Jose Mourinho's sole victory came at home in the Carabao Cup.

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The bar is therefore not particularly high for Thomas Frank, who has the chance to make this the biggest night of his Spurs career so far.

These games against big rivals are the ones that shape fan opinion. There are some Spurs supporters who have questions over the style of play under Frank, despite the fact that results have largely been impressive. Victory against the Blues will go a long way to getting any doubting supporters firmly behind him and the direction of the team.

Frank could bring some much-needed calm to this fixture for Spurs. The home defeats to Chelsea under Postecoglou were chaotic affairs, Spurs unable to keep their composure and getting caught up in the occasion.

A more pragmatic approach could suit the hosts, particularly with Chelsea’s recent struggles to break teams down. Spurs are the best team away from home in the Premier League, relishing matches where the onus is not on them to take the game to the opposition.

Frank, though, was adamant that Spurs will be front-footed against Chelsea.

In control: Thomas Frank hopes Spurs can set the tone when Chelsea visit

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"We will not sit back, I think it's very clear," he declared.

"Maybe you haven't seen our games. Against Villa for example, we were very aggressive. Running forward, pressing forward. I think we've done that in every single game. That will not change."

What must change is Spurs' record against Chelsea and their results at home in general. It is three wins in the last 18 Premier League matches on home soil for Spurs heading into this match. They have already dropped points to Bournemouth, Wolves and Aston Villa this season.

There is a concerted effort to create a raucous atmosphere for this derby. Fan groups have plans to meet inside the stadium earlier, while the music will be stopped five and a half minutes before kick-off to allow the noise in the stands to build more naturally.

It is set to be a huge occasion and one that could provide the platform to kick on under Frank, who has an almost identical record at the start of his reign to Mauricio Pochettino in the Spurs dugout.

Pochettino won his first home match against Chelsea 5-3. Anything close to a repeat of that, and the Frank era will have its launchpad.

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