Tottenham finally has its benchmark match. After a particularly complicated start to the season, Roberto De Zerbi’s Spurs traveled to Stamford Bridge this Saturday with the ambition of confirming their first success of the season in the Premier League, obtained on the previous day against Coventry (3-1). But the task looked particularly delicate against Chelsea, fourth before the match and winner of the last six London derbies between the two teams in the league. Deprived of JoĂŁo Pedro, Xabi Alonso’s Blues lined up Rogers up front with Quenda, Neto and Palmer behind him while De Zerbi decided to start Mathys Tel on the left side of his attack. A profitable choice in the offensive animation of the visitors, who quickly displayed a much more attractive face than during their previous outings.
Because contrary to expectations, Tottenham took control of the game from the first minutes. The Spurs increased the sequences of possession and collective movements, with a particularly inspired James Maddison between the lines. Mohammed Kudus first tried his luck without finding the target, before Chelsea responded with Cole Palmer, whose shot was brilliantly saved by AntonĂn KinskĂ˝ (15th). But the biggest chance of the first act went to Omar Marmoush. Perfectly served behind by Andrew Robertson after a combination with Mathys Tel, the Egyptian striker missed his face-to-face by shooting directly at Mike Penders (30th). Very restless, Tel also caused problems for Acheampong on his side, actively participating in the domination of Spurs. Despite several interesting situations, the two teams returned to the locker room with a goalless draw.
Roberto De Zerbi can breathe
Returning from the locker room, Tottenham continued to show good intentions, despite the injury exit of James Maddison, replaced by Conor Gallagher. Chelsea tried to regain control of the proceedings, but the visitors maintained a real collective solidity while continuing to project themselves forward. And the efforts of Roberto De Zerbi’s men were finally rewarded in the 77th minute. On a corner hit by Mateus Fernandes, Mike Penders completely missed his aerial intervention under pressure from Jan Paul van Hecke, sending the ball into his net himself (0-1). A huge blow for the Blues, whose evening changed again three minutes later with the expulsion of Cole Palmer. Already warned in the first period, the England international received a second yellow card after a sole on Conor Gallagher (80th), leaving his partners at ten for the final minutes.
In numerical superiority, Tottenham then sought to make the break. Gallagher notably created a good opportunity, repelled by Penders, before Sandro Tonali sent his recovery over the top (85th). Mathys Tel also continued to provoke on his wing before being rewarded. On a solitary rush, he came to offer the second goal to his team. Solid until the end, Spurs preserved their advantage to win at Stamford Bridge (0-2) and end a series of six consecutive defeats against their London rival in the championship. A major success which allows Tottenham, sixteenth before this eighth day, to leave the red zone and distance themselves from the last places. Conversely, Chelsea are letting precious points slip away in the race for first places. Above all, Roberto De Zerbi finally saw his team combine collective mastery, quality of play and defensive efficiency. Enough to look forward to the rest of the season with greater optimism.
