Chelsea returned to the top of the Premier League table thanks to a superb second-half performance against London rivals Tottenham. Here’s how we rated the players as they came from behind to beat previously unbeaten Spurs at Stamford Bridge.
Commanding and confident, the Belgian keeper made several decent saves without having to make spectacular stops. He was often under pressure with the ball at his feet because of Tottenham’s high tempo pressure, but never panicked.
Another fine display from Chelsea’s newest centre-half, the Spaniard hassled and harried without over-committing and was a key part of Chelsea’s high-tempo, all-action second-half performance.
The England centre-back assumed the John Terry role to great affect, leading by example, seizing the initiative with ball at feet and defending with real quality after the interval. He clearly grasps the importance of the London derby and was one of the few Blues men to play as well before the break as he did afterwards.
A solid performance that was unusually understated but still impressive. The Brazilian didn’t seek the limelight or look to take needless risks. He was cautioned for a first-half foul, but that was a calculated challenge to stop a breakaway rather than impetuous. He did, however, get away with one casual bit of defending early in the game.
Did everything right with the winner, keeping the ball low, across the keeper and on target rather than swinging wildly with the goal gaping. Was quiet early on but brought his normal pace, dynamism and directness – as well as a bit of bite and edge after the break.
He was below par during Chelsea’s slow start, but was much more aggressive and forceful later on. Provided a solid base for those ahead of him and was never caught out of position, as Chelsea confidently protected their hard-earned lead.
He is probably already assured of the player-of-the-season award, such has been the levels he has reached since joining in the summer. He was simply awesome, breaking up play, refusing to give in even when he was seemingly bypassed and darting forward from midfield to support his attack.
Had a testing first half as the team struggled, but was as influential as anyone after the interval. He was caught out of position on several occasions with Chelsea on the back foot in the first 45 minutes but took up intelligent attacking positions throughout and was much more solid as the Blues improved. Missed a sitter to make it 3-1 soon after the home side’s second goal though.
A breathtaking goal seconds before the half-time whistle changed the course of the game and was a fitting reward for another wonderful performance.
Dangerous, strong, and confident, Chelsea’s main attacking man has been consistently excellent all season and – once again – he did not disappoint.
He spent the majority of the first half claiming fouls for innocuous challenges and throwing his arms up in the air in disgust as he protested for little reason. But Chelsea’s key man was a totally different proposition in the second half. His run, clever dribble and perfect cross for the wining goal was magnificent.
Chelsea’s standout player last season came on and was busy and dangerous – and of course his mere presence against Tottenham with ‘the Willian song’ lifts the crowd and was a smart move towards the end of the game.
This post was last modified on 27/11/2016