Tottenham Hotspur took a step closer to a place in the Champions League next season as their trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend ended in their first ever win at the stadium in the Premier League era. The hosts opened the scoring with a timely header from Alvaro Morata early in the game, which was cancelled out by Christian Eriksen, who beat Willy Caballero from distance, scoring one of the goals of the season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men looked a class apart from Chelsea in the second half and Dele Alli’s well taken, five-minute brace put the game beyond the Blues. Chelsea never looked like they had it in them to come back from two goals down and are now eight points away from a place in the top-4. Spurs move to within two points of Liverpool with a game in hand and will be confident about their chances. Here are the player ratings for the visitors in this tie:
Hugo Lloris (6):
Mad a number of important saves at crucial times in the game but had no reason to be beaten by Morata in the air.
Kieran Trippier (6):
A quiet game for the English ace who kept to himself and helped Spurs see out the danger from the likes of Hazard.
Davinson Sanchez (7):
Came with a no-nonsense approach at the back which worked as he continuously frustrated the hosts.
Jan Vertonghen (7):
Gave away a couple of needless fouls but was solid at the back, keeping Chelsea from creating too many chances.
Ben Davies (6):
Picked up the assist for Eriksen’s goal and was willing to add numbers to both ends of the field.
Eric Dier (8):
One of his best games recently, where he not only covered for the back four but was also productive with his passing, as he was in the build-up to Alli’s goal.
Mousa Dembele (7):
Though did not have his usual influence on the attacking side of the game, was solid with his midfield duties, keeping his side on top for most game.
Erik Lamela (6):
Found loads of space on many occasions in the final third but did not do enough to hurt Chelsea.
Dele Alli (8):
Two smart finishes earned him his first brace in over a year as he helped his side script Stamford Bridge history.
Christian Eriksen (8):
Ran the game outside the box, was involved in the build-up to the third, but not pulled out a screamer to beat Caballero from distance.
Son Heung-Min (5):
Struggled to lead the attack for Spurs as he made too many errors close to the goal, which could have cost his side in the end.
Subs:
Harry Kane (6):
Came on to get some minutes under his belt and help see out the game.
Victor Wanyama (N/A)
Moussa Sissoko (N/A)
