Chelsea vs Tottenham I Premier League I 28/2/2019
Fulltime Score: 2-0
Match Overview
A few talking points were playing out on the back of this
crucial North London derby. First, the controversy with first choice keeper,
Kepa, who had famously refused to be substituted in the Carabao Cup Final
against Manchester City. And second, how will Chelsea respond on the back of recent
disappointments in their results?
Ultimately, Chelsea responded well and continued their playing
form against Spurs. Their defeat in the Cup Final was a dignified one, having
had probably the best of chances to win the match and having played well, hence
Chelsea brought with them a certain swagger into this match. Sure, Spurs are a
top 6 side but they are no Manchester City, hence Chelsea had an easier time
playing against.
The team came off the blocks with some scintillating
football and were the dominant side in the opening 30 minutes. The first half,
however, ended 0-0 with Higuain hitting the crossbar with an awkward but
accurate shot and Harry Winks similarly doing that from distance.
First Half CHE
0-0 TOT
In the second half, Chelsea continued their pressure although
some of the earlier half sharpness has dulled. Nevertheless, Pedro eventually
got the goal. The goal started with Chelsea’s captain Azpilicueta dribbling
with the ball and beating his marker. The simple pass fed Pedro who ran towards
goal and shot quickly through the legs of Hugo Lloris.
Pedro 57’ CHE
1-0 TOT
The second goal however, came from a farcical mistake from
Kieran Trippier and Lloris as they misunderstood each other’s intention. Upon
detecting pressure from Willian, Trippier attempted to pass the ball to Lloris.
Unfortunately, Lloris had come off his line to collect the ball. The ball
rolled into an empty net.
Trippier OG CHE
2-0 TOT
After the goal, it was a matter of playing down the minutes
with the team defending well and chances far between.
Fulltime CHE
2-0 TOT
Match Highlight
Sarri employed his favoured 4-3-3 formation. As widely
speculated, Kepa lost his place in the lineup as a show of his authority in the
squad with Caballero coming in to fill his boots. Kovacic starts the match in
place of Barkley and Pedro started the match instead of Willian. Alonso got the
nod ahead of Emerson who had done well in past matches. Other than that, the
rest of the squad are in Sarri’s first choice squad.
Unlike Sarri’s trademark all-out possession dogma, he seems
to be favouring defensive solidity rather than simply ball possession. Since
the 6-0 drubbing, Chelsea have not pushed as aggressively in the opponents half
as before which usually opens themselves to the quick counterattack. Instead,
they stayed in their half and soak in the pressure somewhere in the halfway
line.
The match incredibly, had very little shots, only one on
target by Pedro with Tottenham failing to register a single shot on target.
Man Of The Match
Chelsea’s Man Of The Match has to go to Pedro.
For a person seemingly on the deproving side of his football
career, he showed his fans exactly why he had been an asset and a former
Barcelona man all these years. Other than his goal, he linked well throughout the
match with the attackers but also helped tremendously in defence such that one
might be forgiven to think that he is a natural defender. In this match, he
showed his dribbling skills, shooting boots and god tackling reminiscent of
Pedro of two seasons ago.
Player Ratings
-
Goalkeeper
Willy Caballero, 6
Really had nothing to do all match as he did not have to
muster a single save. He was beaten by the trajectory of Harry Winks shot in
the first half though he was saved by the bar. He was composed though with
dealing with crosses and half-attempts at a goal.
-
Defenders
Cesar Azpilicueta, 7
Solid performance defensively and attacking-wise. He created
Pedro’s goal, but was also tremendous in maintaining Chelsea’s solidity at the
back.
David Luiz, 8
Incredible performance the past two matches. Luiz was
everywhere in the defence, heading balls clear, tackling at the right time and
being no-nonsense with the way he deals with dangerous situations.
Antonio Rudiger, 7
Good at applying pressure where required. Maybe not as great
at winning the ball as his fellow CB, but they make a good pairing.
Marcos Alonso, 8
What a rebound in performance. I have always been a critic
of Alonso since he came, but this performance showcase something he might
actually be good at, defending. He won many balls and is speed was not exposed
in this match. It could be due to the overall team’s performance and tactical
plan.
-
Midfielders
Jorginho, 6.5
As usual, his contributions to the match is often quiet but
he is an essential part of the team. He is the man in the middle who ensures
the team is able to play effectively. He lost a couple of balls but he did recover
some too. Overall, good performance
N’golo Kante, 8
This guy has grown from strength to strength over the years.
His dribbling and passing skills has improved significantly, making him almost
the complete midfielder.
Mateo Kovacic, 7
Great composed performance at the Bridge, especially in the
opening 30 mins. His dribbling skills and ability to control the ball in tight
spaces is a valuable asset in retaining possession and launching attacks.
-
Forwards
Pedro Rodriguez, 9
Attack wise, brilliant. Defence wise, also brilliant.
Gonzalo Higuain, 7
Relatively quiet match although he looked like almost
scoring in the opening minutes of the match. He seems to be building a
chemistry with his surrounding players, giving them instructions and being part
of their intricate play.
Eden Hazard, 8
The guy’s an asset to the team and utterly undroppable.
Chelsea without Hazard will lose much of its essence, really.
-
Substitutes
Willian, 8
Came on with energy. Caused Trippier to panic and score that
own goal.
Loftus-Cheek, 8
Little to show, but I am surprised he is not starting
matches, especially as he shows signs of footballing brilliance.
Giroud, NA
Played too little to judge.
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