Chelsea underlined their title credentials yet again with another statement performance. Spurs fell to a second consecutive 3-0 London derby loss despite an energetic first half in which they controlled proceedings. However, inspired by second half substitute N’Golo Kanté, who scored a goal himself, Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win with an impressive second half showing. Once Thiago Silva opened the scoring, it looked ominous for the hosts and but for some brilliant goalkeeping from Hugo Lloris, things could have been much worse. Antonio Rüdiger scored in the stoppage time to send Chelsea on top of the table.
Team news
Tottenham
Spurs were grateful to welcome Heung-min Son back after his calf injury. His inclusion was one of four changes made from the Palace defeat, with Tanguy Ndombele making his first appearance of the season.
Starting XI: H. Lloris (C); E. Royal, C. Romero, E. Dier, S. Reguilón; T. Ndombele, P. Højbjerg, D. Alli; G. Lo Celso, H. Kane; H. Son
Subs: P. Gollini, M. Doherty, D. Sánchez, H. Winks, B. Gil, J. Rodon, O. Skipp, B. Davies, D. Scarlett
Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel made five changes from their 3-0 win against Aston Villa. The most notable one was Kepa Arrizabalaga replacing Edouard Mendy in goal. Chelsea were boosted by the return of Kanté on the bench.
Starting XI: K. Arrizabalaga; A. Christensen, T. Silva, A. Rüdiger; C. Azpilicueta (C), Jorginho, M. Kovačić, M. Alonso; M. Mount, R. Lukaku, K. Havertz
Subs: M. Bettinelli, N. Kanté, T. Werner, T. Chalobah, S. Niguez, C. Hudson-Odoi, B. Chilwell, H. Ziyech, R. James
A dominant second half showing from Chelsea wins them the game
Before the match started, there was a minute’s silence and an emotional tribute to Tottenham’s record goal scorer Jimmy Greaves, who died aged 81. Once the match started, the focus shifted to a feisty London derby. Spurs made a bright start with high pressing and not allowing Chelsea much space. The Blues were playing on the break in the first half and had the first opportunity when César Azpilicueta found Kai Havertz with a header, but the German scuffed his shot.
A few minutes later, Tottenham were nearly caught out on the break led by Mason Mount and Romelu Lukaku, but the former too failed to make reasonable contact. Andreas Christensen displayed some nimble footwork before dispatching a curling effort from range narrowly wide. Son then had the game’s best opening, but a hefty touch allowed Kepa to smother his shot.
Second half
Unhappy with his side’s first half showing, Tuchel made a change at half-time. Kanté replaced Mount to signal a change in formation. On paper that looked like a defensive substitution, but it provided the spark Chelsea needed. Just four minutes in, they opened the scoring from a corner. Silva ghosted in unmarked from Marcos Alonso’s out-swinging corner to establish the lead.
This goal was sandwiched by two Alonso efforts, first of which was saved by Lloris, second off the line by Eric Dier. But Chelsea were two up before the hour mark thanks to some good fortune. Kanté’s long range shot deflected off Dier, then the post, to completely wrong-foot Lloris.
After that the game opened up with Spurs throwing men forward in search of a goal. But the chances came at the other end, Silva came close with another header from a corner, and Timo Werner and Mateo Kovačić were denied as well. Chelsea needed another goal to join Liverpool once again at the top and got it in stoppage time. From a corner, the ball was recycled to Werner on the right, who had acres of space and ample time to pick out his man. His cut back found Rüdiger, who arrowed one into the corner to seal an impressive win.
Last week’s 3-0 scoreline might have been a bit flattering, but this one was not. It was a thoroughly deserved win for the visitors, who maintain their dominance in this fixture. There’s plenty to ponder for Nuno Espírito Santo, who has suffered back-to-back 3-0 losses in London derbies. Up next for him? A small matter of the north London derby.
What does it mean for the league table?
Chelsea and Liverpool once again have identical records after five games. Both are joint top, ahead of Manchester United on goal difference. Tottenham’s downslide continued; they are now 7th.
Up next
Both clubs are in EFL Cup action on Wednesday. Chelsea host Aston Villa, while Nuno takes his Spurs side to his former club Wolves.