Premier League was all set for its biggest clash of the weekend when Tottenham Hotspur, the last season’s runners-up, hosted champions Chelsea at Wembley this evening.
Spurs, who defeated their London rivals at White Hart Lane last season, started the campaign brightly with a 2-0 triumph over newly promoted Newcastle United. Chelsea, on the other hand, suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat at Stamford Bridge against Burnley but their determination to keep on fighting despite playing with 9 men earned loads of applauds.
Tottenham will play their home games at Wembley this season due to the ongoing renovation work at White Hart Lane and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was hoping to get back to winning ways against Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
However, Spurs’ Wembley blues continue as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against the reigning champions who are now back on track in order to defend their title.
Below are the Chelsea players rated from this fixture.
Thibaut Courtois: 7.5
Was excellent. Made a few fine stops. Was lucky not to concede as Harry Kane’s effort struck the woodwork. But could have done little towards the end when substitute Michy Batshuayi put it into his own net from Eriksen’s free kick.
Andreas Christensen: 6.5
Lost possession a few times, but was excellent with his passing, blocks and clearances. Tackling needs improvement.
David Luiz: 7
Led the backline with his vast experience and helped his defence to keep composure against Spurs’ attacking waves. Was outstanding while tackling and tried to help out his midfield to create counter attacking movements.
Antonio Rudiger: 6.5
Made his physical presence felt. Impressed with his long passes and no-nonsense clearances. Needs more time to settle in new surroundings.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
Mostly concentrated on his defensive duties and helped them to defend the lead against continual attacks. Started as a right wing-back but offered little in Chelsea’s attack.
Tiemoue Bakayoko: 6.5
Was dispossessed a few times, lost duels in the middle of the park, but his work rate was impressive and holds a bright future ahead with Chelsea.
N’Golo Kante: 8
The midfield maestro looked unstoppable while down the middle runs and never stopped running. Helped his defence to defend the lead and impressed with his tackling, passing and intercepting skills.
Marcos Alonso: 9.5
Although he struggled initially against Harry Kane, the Spaniard won Chelsea the game single-handedly. He scored from a spectacular free-kick in the first half and again rescued them by restoring the lead in closing minutes.
Victor Moses: 7.5
Worked tirelessly down the right wing and kept on creating chances from counter attacks.
Willian: 8.5
Another scintillating display by the Brazilian who was unlucky not to make it to the scoresheet as his majestic strike hit the woodwork. Looked unstoppable while dribbling, impressed with his passing skills and linked up beautifully with fellow attackers. Was taken off to be replaced by Pedro late in the second half.
Alvaro Morata: 6
The Spaniard had an early opportunity to score from six yards, but his effort went wide. Remained quiet and isolated and was subbed off towards the end to be replaced by Michy Batshuayi.
Substitutes
Pedro: 6.5
Returned from his injury and made an immediate impact in left-hand flank as he assisted Marcos Alonso for his second goal that sealed the deal for the away side.
Michy Batshuayi: 3
Was brought in in place of disappointing Morata in order to find an insurance goal. The young Belgian found one, unfortunately, it went straight into his own net. Looked relieved when Alonso restored the lead in closing minutes.
