Tottenham Hotspur fell victim to a superb Chelsea performance on Sunday evening, with two goals from Willian ruining Spurs’ Christmas cheer as they missed the chance to move into the top four.
Jose Mourinho’s team were run ragged by a team who have suffered some poor form of late. It seems that playing under the ‘Special One’ has lent its favours to Frank Lampard, who clearly altered his tactics and formation to cater to Mourinho’s style of play.
However, erratic moments from Gazzaniga and Son had a huge part to play in the final outcome as Spurs fell apart in front of their own crowd. Willian’s first goal was sheer brilliance. The Brazilian cut inside Aurier and sped into the penalty area, curling a perfect shot into the bottom right corner to take the lead.
The second goal came from the penalty spot after Spurs keeper Gazzaniga took out Marcus Alonso in bizarre fashion. The Argentine seemed to forget that the rules of football allow a goalkeeper to handle the ball in the box and a penalty was rightfully awarded, with Willian converting expertly just before half time.
A straight red for Son and some toxicity from Spurs fans rather tainted the rest of the match for both sides as Chelsea ran out a much-needed win against their rivals in North London.
The apprentice beats the master
Frank Lampard, who excelled under the reigns of Jose Mourinho in his playing career, employed the far superior tactics on Sunday evening, with the younger manager clearly using his experience from playing for Chelsea to out-play a Tottenham team who had the chance to leapfrog the Blues with a win.
With a switch-up in personnel and formation, Lampard deployed three big centre-backs in the shape of Kurt Zouma, Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori. It was clear early on the reason for doing this, as Tottenham tried and failed numerous times to aim a long ball over the top towards the front four. Son’s diagonal runs, in particular, were not achievable nearly as frequently as he’s been getting used to under Mourinho.
Managerial awareness was critical from Lampard and we may see many teams try and replicate the same technique against Spurs in the upcoming festive fixtures. The Chelsea manager looked much the more experienced as Mourinho’s men mustered up just one shot on target in the whole match.
The gap to the top four extends
As mentioned earlier, Spurs had the opportunity to leapfrog into the top four above Chelsea on goal difference, but there was a distinct lack of ambition in the squad on matchday. The now six point gap between the two teams is reflective of the difference in the two teams on Sunday as Tottenham slip two places to seventh position.
It’s quite extraordinary to think that, as we approach the halfway point of the season, Wolves and Sheffield United are both in better positions to challenge the top four than Spurs, Manchester and Arsenal, with Leicester City firmly occupying one of the Champions League spots.
Spurs’ season seems to be majorly in the balance, with a top-four finish critical if a trophy is not won come the end of the season – you wouldn’t describe either eventuality as likely at this point. Chelsea probably have a similar goal in mind but are now four points above Sheffield United in fifth.
Inexplicable antics from Gazzaniga
Chelsea were by far the better team throughout the first half and their second goal was certainly deserved. However, there’s not much Tottenham’s outfield players could have done to prevent such an outlandish error from Tottenham’s man between the posts.
With an on-chasing Marcos Alonso never latching onto Willian’s ball in the Tottenham penalty area, Gazzaniga looked set to safely grasp the ball ahead of the Chelsea man. For some alien reason, the Argentine got caught in three minds – catch the ball, kick the ball, or completely take out Alonso with a karate kick. After missing the ball with his feet, the keeper heavily collided with the Chelsea player. It’s hard to tell whether Gazzaniga’s antics or the referee’s decision to give a free-kick to Spurs was the more ridiculous, but you have to question the sanity of both in the situation.
Inevitably, VAR overturned the decision and Willian slotted home his second from the penalty spot. The entire situation was bizarre all-round, but the goal was certainly a deserved one from the point of view from both teams.
Willian shows up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
One player who seems to shine even brighter than usual when faced with Tottenham Hotspur is Willian, and Sunday’s match was no exception. The Brazilian had miles of space to exploit with Vertonghen given the exhausting job of keeping up with him as left-back. Needless to say, this didn’t work out too well for Spurs as Willian ran all over the defenders on the majority of Chelsea’s attacks.
Willian endured a few periods last season where he was forced to sit on the bench, but it seems that he hasn’t lost any of his confidence through these times. He remains a true attacking talent and really shines against quality opposition, much like his former teammate Eden Hazard did.
Willian certainly has a case to be considered one of the players of the season so far. He has rediscovered the pivotal role he plays at the club – the role that was so instrumental throughout their title-winning season of 2016/17.
Son picks up his third red card of 2019
Perhaps a seemingly unlikely candidate to pick up frequent red cards, Heung min Son has now picked up three red cards in eight months. Although the one he received following Andre Gomes’ injury was harsh and rightfully rescinded, the other two showed malicious intent from the South Korean.
Contrary to Mourinho’s thoughts on the situation, Son can’t really have any complaints, as he clearly kicked upwards towards Rudiger’s chest with his studs; leaving many questioning the saint-like qualities that Spurs fans have hailed the 27-year-old with during the last year.
Spurs will appeal the decision, but as long as it isn’t overturned Son faces a three-match ban as the fixtures come thick and fast for Spurs. The absence of arguably Tottenham’s best player this season could have some dramatic ramifications for the Lilywhites in the next few matches.
Man of the Match – Willian
Although pretty much every Chelsea man played their part in a big win for Chelsea over their rivals, Willian outshined everyone on the pitch and was the instigator of most of the Blues’ pivotal attacks.
Up Next
Tottenham remain at their own stadium for their Boxing Day match against Brighton, while Chelsea also stay in London to host Southampton.
