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Chelsea saw their 28-year unbeaten home record against Tottenham come to an end. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentine made one excellent sliding clearance racing from his goal but was completely deceived in the air for Christian Eriksen’s equaliser when he should have done better and was also partly to blame for Dele Alli’s second goal.
Azpilicueta failed to track Alli for Tottenham’s second goal, a crucial mistake which unsettled Chelsea and led to a panicky spell that ultimately cost them the game. He was otherwise solid and was unlucky not to create a goal with a fine burst from defence at the start of the second half.
The Dane had a fine first half but was twice at fault for Alli’s second goal, failing to clear the ball initially when he had the chance and then hesitating when reprieved.
A brilliant purposeful run from defence helped create the opening goal and a throwback no-nonsense, sliding challenge got the crowd going and typified an impressive all-round performance by the big German.
The definition of a mixed afternoon for Moses, who teed up the opening goal with a stunning cross and was a constant threat in attack. But his final ball was too often wayward and his poor pass led to the first-half equaliser. He was also lucky to get away with a dreadful bit of defending in his six-yard box after the break.
The most consistent performer throughout, Kante’s work rate and contribution never dipped.
He played one or two delightful passes to set Chelsea on the attack and showed his composure and quality throughout without every truly getting a grip on the midfield.
Chelsea’s matchwinner in the reverse game at Wembley, Alonso could easily have ended up with a first-half hat-trick, having a goal disallowed and twice seeing rasping strikes come to nothing. He also wasted a good second-half chance, but his constant attacking saw him out of position for Tottenham’s clinching third goal.
As bright and lively as ever but, for once, the end product was missing. He almost scored with a deflected first-half strike and a curling long-range effort after the interval but it was a frustrating afternoon.
At times he looked a class above but most of his good work was too far from goal. He took up plenty of clever positions to find space before the break but drifted out of the game after the interval when Chelsea desperately needed him to dictate play.
He took his goal well and made some intelligent runs. Morata played with greater confidence after finding the net but needs to be stronger, more resilient and more decisive to lead the line effectively.
This post was last modified on 02/04/2018