Tuchel happy after Chelsea’s derby victory

Thomas Tuchel was pleased with how well his tactical switch worked in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham.

The Blues boss has made changes to the formation in the absence of injured wing-backs Ben Chilwell and Reece James, switching to a back four.

He deployed a 4-1-4-1 system against Spurs at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea enjoyed another win over their London rivals, having also beaten them in both legs of the recent Carabao Cup semi-final.

Asked if a back four was the way forward for Chelsea, Tuchel said: “It’s one way forward. We tried a 4-1-4-1 formation today because we tried a 4-4-2 against them in the first match and that gave us an advantage, but then they reacted to it in the second match.

“We thought maybe it could be an approach to give the players a solution after the last matches and we had the players for the formation; players in shape, who wanted and should be on the pitch, and good positions for them. It gives us more options.”

Hakim Ziyech put Chelsea ahead with a superb left-footed strike and Thiago Silva nudged home Mason Mount’s free-kick to seal the win.

The formation certainly suited Ziyech, who has struggled for fitness and form but produced an excellent performance on the right flank.

“It was one of his best matches today because he was very reliable,” Tuchel said.

“It was also maybe his best position to be on the wing. We had the wide position on the right wing and that position does not normally exist in that particular manner when we play 3-4-3.

“Maybe we can think about doing this. It was good because it gave him the opportunity to take risks where it was possible to take risks.

“So yes, well done and he needs to keep on going.”