The game between Tottenham and Chelsea was not a top of the table clash in terms of league standings. However, in terms of the quality of both squads, this was a game with great magnitude. Unfortunately, the immense importance attached to this game took control over the players. In truth, the biggest news of this game was not on the pitch but outside it, courtesy Diego Costa.
Chelsea started with their tricky midfield quartet of Oscar, Hazard, Willian and Pedro who caused the hosts a lot of problems with their movement. Ryan Mason started for Tottenham in place of the suspended Dele Alli. In the first half, although both teams created chances they were somewhat even. On the balance of play, it can be said that it was Begovic who was the busier goalkeeper.
In the second half, however, a sense of tiredness was evident among both sets of players. It cannot be termed as a surprise given the fact that both had away trips in midweek. The game really did not have a great flow and it was scrappy at times. It looked like both the teams were happy to settle for a draw. It was important for Mourinho to get his team organized and he would be happy with the result in the end. At a place where last year, they were thrashed 5-3, he would be pretty satisfied going away with a clean sheet considering the fact that John Terry was absent as well.
As mentioned before, it was however the absence of a certain Diego Costa from the starting lineup that took more of the headlines in this game. Mourinho stated that it was due to lack of confidence since the striker had just scored 4 goals this season. However, the argument they had in Israel sounds a better reason for the drop. Costa was visibly angry about the fact that he was not used as a substitute with Mourinho bringing both Kenedy and Loftus-Cheek instead, in the final stages of the game.
However, Chelsea would be quite happy with a point from White Hart Lane considering their dismal away record this season. With their next four premier league games involving Bournemouth, Leicester, Sunderland and Watford, Mourinho would believe that they have a good chance to get their season back on track and challenge for that top four spot.
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| Tottenham 0-0 Chelsea : Five Conclusions |
In the second half, however, a sense of tiredness was evident among both sets of players. It cannot be termed as a surprise given the fact that both had away trips in midweek. The game really did not have a great flow and it was scrappy at times. It looked like both the teams were happy to settle for a draw. It was important for Mourinho to get his team organized and he would be happy with the result in the end. At a place where last year, they were thrashed 5-3, he would be pretty satisfied going away with a clean sheet considering the fact that John Terry was absent as well.
As mentioned before, it was however the absence of a certain Diego Costa from the starting lineup that took more of the headlines in this game. Mourinho stated that it was due to lack of confidence since the striker had just scored 4 goals this season. However, the argument they had in Israel sounds a better reason for the drop. Costa was visibly angry about the fact that he was not used as a substitute with Mourinho bringing both Kenedy and Loftus-Cheek instead, in the final stages of the game.
However, Chelsea would be quite happy with a point from White Hart Lane considering their dismal away record this season. With their next four premier league games involving Bournemouth, Leicester, Sunderland and Watford, Mourinho would believe that they have a good chance to get their season back on track and challenge for that top four spot.
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