Chelsea kept their European ambitions alive with a dominating win against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson with the goals to seal a pivotal win.
In the spicy encounter in west London, Chelsea were up for it straight away, Cole Palmer being set up early by the marauding Marc Cucurella but his final ball was high and wide. That was a sign of what was to come.
Chelsea had the wind in their sail and Tottenham have been vulnerable from setpieces in this second half of the season, so when Chelsea had a free kick Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was absolutely mad on the touchline in instinctive anticipation of what was to come.
Conor Gallagher sent in a cross and the unmarked Chalobah beautifully headed home the opener, Chelsea deserved it after completely dominating the first half where they were first to every ball and pressed Spurs into unwanted submission.
Noni Madueke had the beating of make-shift left-back Emerson Royal and Moises Caicedo was hunting the ball while Conor Gallagher looked like a 100-metre runner in midfield.
Tottenham had their backs against the wall and their Champions League ambitions evaporating by the second so Postecoglou rang the changes, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg replacing Richarlison, Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma.
But Chelsea would get the next goal, Palmer’s free kick smashing off the post and Jackson heading home to the second of the night.
Spurs huffed and puffed but Chelsea held on strongly to secure three points, go above West Ham and end Tottenham’s Champions League ambitions. Here is how we rated the Chelsea players out there.
1. Djordje Petrovic- 6
Brought in from the MLS to be an understudy but has been largely the first choice. Would be delighted with his clean sheet.
2. Trevoh Chalobah-7
Terrific header at the far post to give Chelsea the lead. Defended well.
3. Marc Cucurella-6
Incredible performance. Looked unbeatable for large parts.
4. Benoit Badiashile- 6
Strong defensively.