:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67996583/1288441880.0.jpg)
The match unfolded as many would’ve been expecting, especially after the recent Mourinho throwback masterclass against Manchester City last weekend.
Spurs set up in a 7-3 parked bus, waiting like a coiled spring for Chelsea to make a mistake, and then punish ruthlessly on the counter.
Chelsea struggled to consistently break down this wall of humanity, with Spurs dealing well with any crosses and recovering well enough on the quick 1-2s by Chelsea’s creative players. Werner did have the ball in the back of the net with a fabulous finish, but was rightly ruled offside.
The intensity cranked up a bit in the second half, as did Chelsea’s share of the possession, as did the referee’s propensity for poor calls and cheap yellows. Still, Chelsea were unable to break down the doors. It didn’t help that Abraham missed a trio of the kinds of half-chances that often prove the difference in such games, and Lloris pulled off a great save on a Mount long-range effort.
Lampard made his changes, but they also did not prove the telling difference in unlocking the gates. Giroud came close with a smart chip in added-on time, before Zouma almost messed it up with a gift giveaway at the other end.
Classic Mourinho. At least we didn’t get stung on the counter, or give away an annoying goal.
Carefree.
- Just one change from last weekend for Lampard, with Thiago Silva restored instead of Rüdiger — and Pulisic on the bench instead of Hudson-Odoi.
- Like-for-like changes in Pulisic (for Werner), Giroud (for Abraham), Havertz (for Ziyech)
- The draw puts Spurs back on the top of the league, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference. Chelsea remain third, just two points behind. Leicester City play tomorrow and could go ahead of us with a win.
- Abramovich’s 1000th game as Chelsea owner. Here’s to a 1000 more.
- Next up: Sevilla away, with top spot in the Champions League group up for grabs, but both teams already qualified for the knockout rounds
- KTBFFH