Xabi Alonso has watched his Chelsea side suffer three defeats in the last four, losing to Sunderland on Sunday after being beaten by Tottenham at home and Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

But it wasn’t all bad news for Chelsea over the weekend. Indeed, Harry Hudson’s Cobham Next Gen beat Tottenham at Stevenage’s ground, technically an away game, in a crucial Premier League 2 encounter.

A brace from Chizaram Erenwata and a goal from midfielder Harrison Armstrong got the job done, as right-back Leo Black secured a win against the side he left in the summer. Chelsea’s 21s are now second.

John Terry reacts as Chelsea win against Tottenham in PL2

The clash only came a couple of weeks after Spurs had beaten Chelsea’s senior side at Stamford Bridge, following Mike Penders’ mistake and then a solo goal by Mathys Tel – who was once a Chelsea target.

The win for Hudson’s second string takes them to second place on goal difference with third-placed Spurs. Indeed, leaders Southampton are only ahead on goal difference, but they have a game in hand.

John Terry, often willing to poke fun at Spurs on his social media channels, reacted to Chelsea’s CNG win over their rivals with a six-word message on his Instagram: “Normal service resumed, great win boys”.

Not just revenge for the first team, or Leo Black

After 91 appearances in Tottenham’s academy and for their 21s, Black will have been delighted to get a win against Spurs after being released in the summer. He earned a move to Chelsea after an initial trial.

But the win on Sunday wasn’t simply revenge for the first team, or Black himself. Last season, Chelsea actually finished top of Premier League 2 – but the league then enters a knockout round for the title.

Chelsea beat Middlesbrough in the last 16, but suffered defeat to Spurs by the same scoreline in the quarter-finals. Sunday’s win was Chelsea getting one over Spurs for many reasons – last season included.