By Safiu Kehinde
Chelsea have once again proven that “London is Blue” after a 2-0 victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Stamford Bridge.
Following a frustrating draw against Brighton last week, the Blues faced Antonio Conte’s men in a daunting task of reviving their title race challenge. Thomas Tuchel made some tactical changes as he switched to more attacking 4-1-4-1 formation. With an attack comprising of Hakim Ziyech, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Hudson Odoi, and spearheaded by Romelu Lukaku, Tottenham had a difficult task of keeping the goal hungry Blues at bay.
The first half was a sort of duel between both team as Antonio Conte seek to make a record at Stamford Bridge as the first Chelsea former manager to defeat the blues on their home ground – a feat which Jose Mourinho, Andres Villas Boas, and Carlo Ancelloti, could not achieve during their time at Manchester United, Tottenham, and Everton respectively.
Efforts from Hakim Ziyech and Romelu Lukaku to break the deadlock were denied by Tottenham’s goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris. The Lillywhites also launched at Kepa Arrizabalaga, but the Spaniard denied Harry Kane and Harry Winks the chances.
Three minutes into the second-half, Hakim Ziyech put Chelsea into the lead with a stunning left-foot screamer from outside the box. The Moroccan had picked Hudson Odoi’s pass, balanced the ball on his left foot before swinging it beyond Hugo Lloris’ reach.
Meanwhile, Chelsea continued their dominant display against Antonio Conte’s men and did not take much longer before increasing their tally.
Following Eric Dier’s foul on Hudson Odoi in the 55th minute, Mason Mount was gifted a free-kick opportunity. The Englishman did what he knows how to do best as he curled the ball across to the waiting head of Thiago Silva who neatly slot it into the net.
Sunday’s victory saw Chelsea winning all four encounters they have had with Tottenham this season.
