Well, we can’t beat them all! Chelsea’s immense 13-game winning run has finally come to an end after an even, but poor display at White Hart Lane from the Blues.
Dele Alli was off the mark on the final moments of the first half to give Spurs a dramatic lead from Eriksen’s superb pass, before nodding in a very similar goal on the second half to make the score 2-0 – eventually the final result.
Chelsea remain on top of the league with five points’ margin, but losing like this is no good to take a habit of, and we have to keep going and get back on winning ways right away!
Many players were performing well below the bar, and you can read more about their exploits – both good and bad – from down below, as we classify them between a score of one to ten…
Starting Eleven:
Thibaut Courtois – 5 – Great save to save Eric Dier’s close-range effort on the first half, but had no chance to deny Dele Alli’s two headers, which turned out to be the most decisive shots on target tonight. Was great with his feet though, and barely put a foot wrong despite Spurs’s high pressure.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 4 – Very, very poor from the Spaniard tonight. The mistake of leaving Dele Alli unmarked cost the team twice, as it was way too easy for the Englishman to head in from behind the back of Azpilicueta. Has to do better in the aerial challenges. A few good crosses were unlucky not to be converted late on.
David Luiz – 5 – Went close with a free-kick on the first half, but wasn’t on his best today at the back. Wasn’t impressive with the long balls either – at all, actually. Hoping for a step-up in performance ahead of next week.
Gary Cahill – 5 – First loss as a Chelsea captain for him. Did his best and was the best defender of the Blues side tonight, but that’s not the achievement that looks too good on the CV next to a result like this. Booked.
Victor Moses – 4 – Also to be blamed for the two conceded goals. Poor marking from the lad, and was very precipitate with his tackles, as he could’ve got sent off for the amount of fouls he conceded tonight. With a bit of rest, things will turn out all right though!
N’Golo Kante – 6 – Great interceptions and positioning all around the pitch. However, he misplaced some key passes when the Blues were chasing the game, and he clearly didn’t have the best game of his Blues career as he was subbed for the first time this season.
Nemanja Matic – 7 – Perhaps the best performer today as he returned to the starting line-up after starting last week’s Stoke clash from the bench. Consistent at the back, finished the game with the best passing completion rate compared to other Blues players – I strongly believe.
Marcos Alonso – 4 – Was way too often beaten by Walker on his side of the pitch, and was deservedly subbed off as the first player to leave the pitch. Both of the goals were created from his end and Antonio Conte was surely not happy with such performance. Hate to say this since we only just bought him, but it’s the position where we could really need some improving on.
Pedro – 4 – Great at the Bridge, lost when away. Despite missing out on the Stoke clash due to a suspension the Spaniard made a comeback to the starting line-up ahead of Willian, but was far away from earning himself the place over there. Way too many misplaced passes and failed take-ons. Frustrating game, but onward we go. Following Alonso’s substitution he played as the left wing-back role, which didn’t really guide his performance to any better direction.
Diego Costa – 6 – Could’ve done better to find the net in a few good chances, but has to be respected for his improvement on mental level. Was bullied and teased by the Spurs defenders all-game long, but the only fight he got himself into, was the one with Pedro after the ex-Barcelona man misread his pass.
Eden Hazard – 5 – Yet another key player who had a bad game today. Went close on the first half from a wild left-footed volley and had even a better opportunity to find the net at the start of the second period. No luck tonight, but just like with the rest, next aim is to bounce back.
Subs:
Willian – 6 – Replaced Alonso and served as a right winger. Hadn’t much to time to affect the game, but could’ve been a better choice over Pedro today. In the end, the stadium was the loudest when he came on and the boos started flying in from the home fans!
Cesc Fabregas – 6 – Perhaps could’ve been subbed on earlier in search of an equalizer. Did all right, finding Diego Costa from a breakaway position (offside, however) with his first touch to the ball.
Michy Batshuayi – N/A – Nice to see him featuring, but sad to mark yet another “N/A” next to his name. Touched the ball a few times when challenging Wanyama on the final moments of the game. Will hopefully get a proper start against Petersborough on Sunday at the Bridge when the FA Cup kicks off.
