The most anticipated London derby between Spurs and Chelsea from any clashes they played in, It ended all squares at 1-1 the score. Spurs who led early into the match with Segurdsson’s goal remained in the lead for much of the game until a brilliant assist by Juan Mata was turned in by skipper John Terry. The header managed to equalize for the blues and give us hope the match might be there for a win, but a poor refereeing once more by Mike Dean held us from getting chances to score a 2nd.
Starting 11s:
Tottenham (4-2-3-1):Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Naughton;Paulinho,Dembele; Townsend (Chadli 62), Eriksen (Holtby 69), Sigurdsson; Soldado (Defoe 76).
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):Cech; Ivanovic, D Luiz, Terry (c), Cole; Mikel (Mata 45), Lampard; Ramires, Oscar (Azpilicueta 81), Hazard (Schurrle 69); Torres.
It was Fernando Torres who was sent off after a 50-50 challenge with Vertonghen in the 81st minute. The introduction of Juan Mata right at half time for John Obi Mikel has done wonders for Chelsea and started the long ringing debates from many fans as to why Jose doesn’t start Mata as a starting player. Although Oscar played really well, he didn’t find any spaces to attack and make an impact in the situation he wants.
Another highlight of the game was the solid defense of Spurs which has dramatically improved this season under Villas-Boas. They managed to sniff the ball away from Hazard, Torres and Oscar right around the boxes and also managed to get our players in many offside position. That’s a credit to them, but Hazard and Ramires (our two wingers on the sides) should have done better in beating players of a dribble and crossing to the striker.
Eden Hazard needs to improve on that aspect even though today he came up against England’s best RB in Kyle Walker who was resiliently solid through out. It was also a mesmerizing display of pace and agility from Townsend who really wasn’t expected to make much of an impact in today’s game. Ashley Cole seemingly lost out in the battle on the wings as they got many crosses from the sides but, didn’t capitalize as a result of good defending by Luiz and Terry.
John Obi Mikel who scored his first goal after 184 Premier league appearances didn’t make much of an impact as he should have and was replaced by Juan Mata right in the half. It’s a decision that halted our chances early on by Jose as he didn’t start with Lampard and Ramires in midfield. Schurrle or Mata should have started on the right wing instead of Ramires who is never good in that position.
Now, we are 3rd in the league with 11 points and Spurs are top of the league with 13 points as a result of this draw. This standing though stands until we come to know the results of Manchester City who are at the moment 4th and Arsenal who are top of the league. Let’s hope Mourinho finds a perfect starting 11 and put into contention to beat any of the top teams in England.
