Chelsea noticed off Tottenham in a hotly contested London derby on Sunday afternoon, with a surprising strike from Hakim Ziyech the spotlight of the day.
The hosts had the perfect of a feisty first half, however have been lucky to go in on the break stage. Romelu Lukaku ought to have scored within the first minute however skied his shot after glorious work from the bubbling Mason Mount, earlier than Callum Hudson-Odoi didn’t direct a back-post header.
Thiago Silva twice headed over from corners both facet of a some easy footwork adopted by a dipping strike from Ziyech, who pressured a save from Hugo Lloris.
Spurs had their very own opening on the break after 1 / 4 of an hour, however Harry Winks’ weak shot was straight at Kepa.
The primary of quite a few flash factors got here simply earlier than the 20-minute mark, when Matt Doherty survived a swift VAR overview after treading on Malang Sarr’s ankle.
The second arrived shortly earlier than half-time, when Harry Kane’s celebrations have been minimize brief as he was adjudged to have shoved Thiago Silva earlier than ending from a cross. Replays confirmed it was a one-handed push, and subsequently comfortable.
Lukaku noticed one other half-chance quashed by a block, and the 2 sides went in stage the break.
Chelsea lastly made their strain pay two minutes into the second half – and it was a surprising purpose too. Ziyech shifted the ball out of his ft on the sting of the realm earlier than whipping a completely elegant, arching end into the highest proper nook over a shellshocked Lloris.
Two minutes later he was at it once more – this time smashing a free ball in the direction of purpose however Lloris was in a position to push it away.
The Blues have been within the ascendancy and Mount noticed his personal fantastic effort sail simply over the crossbar, earlier than Silva doubled their benefit. The Brazilian met Mount’s free kick with an inch-perfect header into the nook.
Chelsea remained on high all through the half. Lukaku had his greatest likelihood saved as he rolled Davinson Sanchez and bore down on purpose, however Lloris was equal to his low shot.
The hosts have been virtually made to sweat within the dying embers, however Kane’s header was acrobatically tipped away by the flying Kepa.
It ended 2-0 to Chelsea. This is how the gamers rated…
Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK) – 7/10 – A secure pair of fingers on the uncommon events he was examined. Sensible save to disclaim Kane late on, clawing the ball away.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB) – 7/10 – Actually stable at right-back, and managed to get ahead to assist the assault.
Thiago Silva (CB) – 8/10 – Booked for a cynical journey as Spurs broke. Went down simply earlier than Kane’s purpose was chalked off, which was fortunate. Excellent header for 2-0. He loves enjoying Tottenham.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) – 7/10 – An actual defensive pest as ever. Did not give his man an inch all afternoon.
Malang Sarr (LB) – 7/10 – Did rather well in an unfamiliar left-back position, coping with his double-defensive counterparts.
Mateo Kovacic (CM) – 7/10 – Unspectacular however bought via plenty of vital work and broke up Tottenham’s play.
Jorginho (CM) – 7/10 – Intelligently picked up pockets of house to obtain the ball and play ahead. Glorious tackling too. Subbed.
Mason Mount (AM) – 8/10 – Regarded within the temper and like he had a degree to show. Completely in all places, buzzing about with supreme confidence. Free-kick help for Thiago.
Hakim Ziyech (RW) – 9/10 – Vibrant begin. Dazzling footwork earlier than testing Lloris. WHAT. A. GOAL. Masterful strike into the highest nook, and zinged Lloris’ fingertips once more moments later. His greatest recreation in a Chelsea shirt.
Romelu Lukaku (ST) – 7/10 – Ought to have scored not less than as soon as however this was nonetheless an excellent centre-forward’s show. Gray in confidence and compelled a wonderful save after the break.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (LW) – 7/10 – Regarded actually vivid and harmful all through in his favoured left-wing slot.
N’Golo Kante (CM) – 7/10 – Shielded the defence expertly and saved Chelsea ticking over.
Marcos Alonso (LWB) – N/A
Saul (CM) – N/A
Hugo Lloris (GK) – 6/10 – Made some good saves however questions will likely be requested about Ziyech’s purpose. He did not even dive.
Japhet Tanganga (RB) – 5/10 – Higher than his earlier go to. Booked when he bought too tight to Hudson-Odoi. Fortunate to not get a second for holding the identical man. Subbed.
Eric Dier (CB) – 4/10 – Free with the ball beneath strain. One in every of many defenders who ought to have completed higher as Chelsea made it two.
Davinson Sanchez (CB) – 5/10 – Given a extremely bodily examination by Lukaku, and ultimately was dropping out often.
Ben Davies (LB) – 5/10 – Did not get tight sufficient to Ziyech as he whipped it residence. Did not actually do something to assist his facet.
Matt Doherty (RM) – 4/10 – Survived a VAR verify for a purple after catching Sarr very late. Ought to have not less than been booked. Not clear what his job was on the correct, actually.
Harry Winks (CM) – 5/10 – Harmful early foray ahead however shot was weak. Busy-ish however could not actually get into the sport or have an effect on play. Subbed.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CM) – 5/10 – Tried to interrupt issues up however Spurs misplaced the midfield battle resoundingly.
Ryan Sessegnon (LM) – 3/10 – Unusual choice from Conte – considered one of 4 full-backs on the pitch for Spurs. Hit a shot-cross out for a throw-in. That was it
Steven Bergwijn (ST) – 5/10 – Physicality precipitated some points however a bit chaotic and free.
Harry Kane (ST) – 6/10 – Fed off scraps and compelled to drop deep initially. Noticed his end chalked off for a slight push on Thiago. Regarded harmful when he had it, however that was uncommon.
Lucas Moura (LM) – 5/10 – Did little or no of word.
Oliver Skipp (CM) – 6/10 – Tried to make issues occur and performed ahead.
Byran Gil (RM) – N/A
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