Chelsea put up a spirited display and showed immense resilience to come out of the London derby with all 3 points. Tottenham were condemned to defeat in their first home game at Wembley this season as The Blues ended up 2-1 winners on the night.
A brace from Marcos Alonso either side of Batshuayi’s unlucky own goal made sure that Antonio Conte could celebrate like he usually likes to on such occasions.
Here are Chelsea’s players’ ratings vs Tottenham Hotspur:
Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
The Belgian made few important saves to keep Chelsea alive throughout the game. He was commanding in the air and managed to get above all Spurs players for most of the high balls tossed in the Chelsea box.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 9/10
Chelsea’s captain on the night put an absolutely stellar display. Challenged for every ball, got ahead of the Spurs frontmen on every occasion to thwart them in their efforts and led by example.
Andreas Christensen – 8/10
The youngster was given the tough task of playing at the centre of the back three for his premier league debut, against the League’s best striker and at Wembley. It could not have been a more difficult start but he must have earned the manager’s trust with a commanding second half performance after a shaky first half.
Antonio Rudiger – 7/10
Booked early in the game for stupidly kicking the ball away. Got his composure on as the game progressed and won a lot of aerial duels for his side.
Victor Moses – 6/10
The Nigerian returned for suspension and put in a solid display on the right flank despite providing nothing flashy. Did well to hold on to the ball towards the end of the game.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6/10
Having been out injured for almost 4 months, returning to training and starting at Wembley is in itself an impressive achievement. The big money signing looked out of sorts in the first half as he still looks to regain full fitness but Conte had a role for him to perform which was to contest for aerial balls and he did that to a satisfactory level. Performed really well towards the last 20 mins and will be hoping to get fitter.
David Luiz – 8/10
The defender playing in midfield turned out to be a blessing in disguise for The Blues as he put up an exemplary performance. Snuffed the danger out on multiple occasions and did not let Dembele and Wanyama dominate very often.
N’Golo Kante – 8/10
Absolute trademark performance from the Frenchman. He was everywhere in the game and as mentioned earlier is improving his game when on the ball with improved passing. It was his powerful run through the middle which created the opportunity for Alonso’s goal.
Marcos Alonso – 9/10
Scored an absolute belter of a free-kick which put Chelsea in front. Scored with a powerful low drive to cap off a virtuoso display. His stats read 100% shot accuracy, 100% tackles won, 100% take-ons completed, 6 clearances and 2 goals. Clearly the hero of Wembley.
Willian – 7/10
Cut a frustrated figure up front quite often but did enough to impress with the few opportunities he got the ball. Hit the post in the second half with a rasping low drive which was out of Lloris’ reach.
Alvaro Morata – 6/10
His all round play was fairly decent but he never really recovered after the glaring first half miss from the header. He did trouble Alderweireld for pace on a couple of occasions. Still early days for the Spaniard in the league.
Substitutes:
Pedro – 6/10
Provided the assist for Alonso’s goal as he returns from an ankle injury he picked up in the Community Shield.
Michy Batshuayi – 4/10
Came on only to put the ball through his own net. Will be massively thankful to Alonso for saving him the blushes.
