Tottenham and Chelsea entered the game looking at a top-four status. Earlier in the season, Chelsea had a large point lead ahead in the fourth position. The arrival of Jose Mourinho to Tottenham and poor results from Chelsea led to one thing. A fight for the top four, with this game being a key event.

Strong Intensity and an Uncomfortable Side

This Chelsea and Tottenham game saw a strong comfortable and intense Chelsea side. Starting off on the front foot with an early first-half goal, Chelsea pushed Spurs. Specifically in the midfield which was dominated by Chelsea with their players on the flank coming back to assist. For Tottenham on the other end, they looked uncomfortable and unclear. Specifically, through the way, they responded to Chelsea relentlessly pushing into the second and later into the final third.

Chelsea secured an early goal

Dominating possession in the first half, Chelsea did not have as much control on the ball in the second half. With Tottenham behind a goal, they pushed further and more forward. Yet they conceded another goal, with Chelsea maintaining strong intense football. However, Tottenham displayed some quality at certain periods of the game where Chelsea misplayed and lost the ball.

Spurs had some minor hope later in the second half. With Lamella’s cross forcing an own goal deflection by Antonio Rudiger. Despite the late goal, Chelsea still deservedly won with their performance throughout the entire match.

Quality Young Players: Future for both Clubs

Giovani Lo Celso

With both Clubs in a transition, we saw some potential major players for the club in the future. For Tottenham players, such as Giovani Lo Celso has done well in replacing Christian Eriksen after his departure to Inter. His recent form has helped Tottenham tick in their games. On the defensive side, Japhet Tanganga who is only twenty years old looks to be a potentially major part of the Tottenham defense. He could be a crucial key for Mourinho in fixing the defensive faults of Tottenham.

On Chelsea’s side, some young stars such as Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic are still recovering from injuries, despite glimpses of Abraham after being subbed in. Reese James has also started to look like a major player for Chelsea. Despite being in his first Premier League season he has done well for Chelsea. His defending was shown in the match and his strength in keeping Tanguy Ndombele away.

Further VAR Problems

VAR has been a target of consistent criticisms. After this match, we may see further criticisms. The incident revolves around Lo Celso whose studs landed on Azpilicueta’s foot. Despite a lengthy VAR check, it was ruled that it did not deserve a red card or a yellow card. The incident when seen was widely believed as being a red card for serious foul play. Other criticisms have been that the on-field referee, Michale Oliver, did not review the decision. Later on, in the match, Stockley Park, where VAR operates has admitted that they made a mistake and Lo Celso should have been sent off for his tackle.

In the end, Chelsea secures another three points to further the gap four in the fourth position. Although Tottenham is fifth currently meaning if Manchester City’s ban is left in place would secure them qualification. This fifth place could be ousted from Tottenham by the likes of Sheffield and Manchester United.