Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League: Post-match reaction

Chelsea started like a house on fire and should’ve been 2-0 up within the opening quarter of an hour. Higuain hit the post, then combined with Pedro and Hazard to waste an absolute gift from Hugo Lloris.

The Blues were never going to be able to keep up that level of effort however, especially not with 120 minutes played on Sunday against Manchester City, and Spurs slowly grew into the match. They hit the woodwork as well before the half-time whistle (Winks), as old tempers started to flare with Kane “leaning” his head into Azpilicueta in a headbutting motion that was not seen by the referee.

The second-half followed a similar pattern, with Chelsea eventually finding a breakthrough via Pedro’s excellent run, cut, and finish. It was all hands to the pump defensively after that as Spurs pushed for the equalizer and just as it looked like Chelsea were creaking, Spurs spurs’d it up with a hilarious Trippier own goal.

LOL.

With Arsenal and Manchester United both winning, Chelsea remain sixth, but the feeling is a lot better now than just a couple hours ago.

Carefree!

• As expected, Kepa dropped as punishment for his conduct on Sunday — but other than Caballero, it was the same starting lineup from Sarri as in the 2-0 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup 10 days ago.
• Interesting, unusual, but probably correct call from Sarri to replace Hazard on the hour-mark with Willian. Loftus-Cheek for Kovacic and Giroud for Higuain complete the changes.
• 8th goal of the season for Pedro
• Clean sheet for Caballero! Didn’t even have to make a save.
• 1 win in 33 tries for Spurs at the Bridge.
• Next up: Fulham away on Sunday
• KTBFFH

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