Voltar
Chelsea slumped to a 2-0 defeat in a woeful London derby performance, with a goal from Mathys Tel and a Mike Penders own goal securing all three points for Tottenham.
It was a dismal display in which Xabi Alonso’s tactics and team selection must come under scrutiny. Playing without a recognised striker and pressing too high left Chelsea exposed, allowing Spurs to take full advantage and claim a comfortable victory.
The first half was heavily influenced by the weather, with Chelsea struggling to create clear-cut chances. The Blues’ best opportunities came from their high press, which forced mistakes from Tottenham, particularly goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky.
Spurs also created promising chances of their own but were denied by Mike Penders. Tottenham looked to exploit the space in behind Josh Acheampong, testing Chelsea’s defensive line, but the young goalkeeper stood firm to keep his side in the game.
The second half proved decisive, as Roberto De Zerbi raised Tottenham’s intensity while Chelsea failed to respond after the break.
But which players let the Blues down, and who can hold their head high after the defeat? Take a look at our player ratings and let us know your thoughts.
Mike Penders - 4
Made some excellent saves in the first half and was largely untroubled after the break. However, his costly howler, punching the corner into his own goal, ultimately drags down his rating.
His passing was pretty poor and held onto the ball for far too long.
Josh Acheampong - 6.5
He was Chelsea’s best defender on the pitch, largely keeping Tottenham’s attack on his side under control. Aside from the goal, Tel struggled to get the better of him.
Maxence Lacroix - 6
He was too easily brushed aside by Tel for the second goal, allowing himself to be outmuscled in a crucial moment.
Levi Colwill - 6
Was average and largely coped with the Marmaoush and Solanke.
Jorell Hato - 5.5
His performance fell short of his previous display, as he was unable to get forward and support Chelsea’s attack, whether due to the Blues’ tactics or Tottenham’s approach. However, he did a good job of keeping Mohamed Kudus quiet.
Moises Caicedo - 6
His intensity was impressive, but his passing lacked the accuracy and quality needed to make a real impact.
Jordan Henderson - 5.5
The game was won in midfield, where Chelsea’s press failed to have the desired effect in the game. Whether that was down to the tactics or Henderson’s decision to push forward and close down opponents, it proved to be the wrong approach.
Pedro Neto - 6
Looked dangerous going forward and was arguably Chelsea’s best attacking outlet alongside Cole Palmer.
Cole Palmer - 5
He was the game’s best creative outlet, although that was not saying much, and his first-half effort did little more than test Kinsky.
His first yellow card was foolish, while the second was deserved, leaving little room for argument over his dismissal.
Geovanny Quenda - 5
He was poor in attack and offered very little going forward. A disappointing performance, especially as he failed to do enough to secure another start.
Morgan Rogers - 5
Deployed as a striker, he spent far too much time dropping deep and failed to provide Chelsea with an attacking outlet, allowing Tottenham’s defence to enjoy a comfortable afternoon. Arguably his worst performance of the season.
Substitues
Marco Palestra (on for Hato 64)
Estevao (on for Quenda 70)
Danny Welbeck (on for Neto 88)