A brilliant performance by Hakim Ziyech and a bit of breathing room from Thiago Silva gave Chelsea a boost as the Blues earned all three points in a resounding 2-0 win over Tottenham at home on Sunday.
The two London sides came into the derby at Stamford Bridge trending in opposite directions, but the match didnt play to recent trends as the Blues turned around its poor attacking form while Spurs suffered its first Premier League defeat since late October.
Ziyech was the standout performer, with his glittering goal just after halftime the games signature moment. Callum Hudson-Odoi was also excellent, creating https://www.azdiamondbacksgear.com the chance for Ziyech to curl into the top corner and causing problems for Spurs defender Japhet Tanganga all match.
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The performance is a statement by Chelsea that the Blues are still not to be trifled with despite a recent dry spell up front, and Ziyech rewards Thomas Tuchel for his faith despite a few underwhelming performances prior to todays match. Antonio Conte, meanwhile, is soundly beaten by Chelsea again, after a pair of comprehensive defeats in the recent EFL Cup semifinals.
Chelsea vs. Tottenham finalscore 1H 2H Final Chelsea 0 2 2 Tottenham 0 0 0 Goals: 47th minute CHE Hakim Ziyech55th minute CHE Thiago Silva
(All times Eastern)
Post-match reaction:Tottenham manager Antonio Conte acknowledged a gap in talent between the two clubs after the EFL Cup semifinal defeats, and he's done so again after today, although he vehemently disagreed with the decision to disallow Harry Kane's goal.
<p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">"The gap with the other times, like Chelsea, is a really, really important gap."Antonio Conte has once again highlighted the difference between Spurs and the top sides, pointing out the lack of resources he has in his playing squad...
Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) Chelsea bo s Thomas Tuchel recognized the change of system for the Blues, and it sounds like this could be something we see more of moving forward, rather than a tactical wrinkle for one match.
<p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">In his post match pre s conference, Tuchel https://www.azdiamondbacksgear.com/arizona-diamondbacks-jersey/a-j-pollock-jersey calls the new formation a 4-1-4-1. He wanted a 'new solution' and a system that Tottenham wouldn't be aware of. He says it allowed Ziyech to play in his best position and he opted for it with wing backs and centre backs injured.
Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) Mason Mount after the match said while the Chelsea system was different, they style of play was still Chelsea through-and-through.
<p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">"That's us, that's the way we play!"Mason Mount was delighted with Chelsea's performance against Spurs as they returned to winning ways...
Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) Hakim Ziyech knows his goal was a sparkling effort.
<p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Ziyech on the quality of his goal for : "I think it was 10 out of 10."
Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) Antonio Rudiger was ha sled by the visiting fans at Stamford Bridge, even the victim of projectiles thrown his way, but he found time for a Chelsea fan https://www.azdiamondbacksgear.com/arizona-diamondbacks-jersey/adam-jones-jersey after the final whistle.
<p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Rudiger and Mount give two lucky fans match worn shirts.
Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) Footage of the projectiles thrown at Antonio Rudiger has been released by NBC. It's not great! Hopefully security is tight enough to identify the supporters and ban them.
<p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">This footage of lighters being thrown at Antonio Rudiger is disgusting.So many thrown at the Chelsea star from the Tottenham section of fans. Too many incidents like this going on in the game right now. Has to stop. Now. Players will get hurt.
Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) FULL-TIME: Chelsea 2-0 TottenhamThe final three minutes plus of regulationandfive more of added time were a formality, and Chelsea makes an emphatic return among the league's most formidable opponents after a few matches off its best. Spurs, meanwhile, are soundly beaten by the Blues for the third time in three weeks, and it's another https://www.azdiamondbacksgear.com/arizona-diamondbacks-jersey/matt-szczur-jersey wake-up call for Antonio Conte who changed the system but got little return.
Hakim Ziyech's goal will surely be nominated for the club's Goal of the Season award, and Callum Hudson-Odoi was a bright spot after struggling early. Chelsea tightens its grip on a top four spot, while Tottenham's recent surge is halted, temporarily at least.
<p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">FT 2-0 Spurs put up a bit more of a fight than their last visit here but never looked like getting back into it after Kane's goal was disallowed and Ziyech scored his stunner. Chelsea's 33rd PL victory over Tottenham. They haven't beaten any other team more often.
James Olley (@JamesOlley) <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Another really limp and dull performance by Spurs. Very little creativity in midfield (again) and a clear gulf in quality between the two sides.
Joe Middleton (@joejsmiddleton) <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Watching that Ziyech goal over and over. Belongs in a museum.
Janusz Michallik (@JanuszMichallik) 87th minute: Kepa goes up to make a great stop on a header by Harry Kane, and then goes down in pain. He's ok, and is back up for the ensuing cro s.
Callum Hudson-Odoi gets a hand from the Stamford Bridge faithful as he's replaced by Marcos https://www.azdiamondbacksgear.com/arizona-diamondbacks-jersey/wilmer-flores-jersey Alonso. Saul comes on for a cramping Ziyech moments later.
79th minute: This game has a feeling of inevitability to it. No real response from Tottenham to any Chelsea moment all match. Spurs have https://www.azdiamondbacksgear.com/arizona-diamondbacks-jersey/andrew-chafin-jersey a total of 4 shots for a combined 0.27 xG.
73rd minute: Chelsea makes a sub as Jorginho on a yellow comes off for N'Golo Kante. Spurs fans are throwing things at Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta during the break in action, which is le s than ideal.
<p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Spurs fans are throwing items at both Rudiger and Azpilicueta.
Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) 69th minute: Lukaku with an impre sive turn to baffle Davinson Sanchez, but his hammered effort is parried by Lloris. Chelsea still feels the more likely team to score a third than Spurs is to find new life.
67th minute: Chelsea has no real urgency with its po se sion now with a two-goal lead. Cesar Azpilicueta goes down under an admittedly great form NFLtackle by Oliver Skipp in the penalty area. Huge roar from Stamford Bridge. No call, no VAR review. Injured Blues full-back Reece James is loving the performance.
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