The Blues took the advantage as Chelsea beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
It was anticipated to be a tough game for the home side, but it turned out to be one of the most comfortable night outs for the men in blue. Thomas Tuchel made six changes to his side as Kepa Arrizabalaga started between the posts after Edouard Mendy left for AFCON duty a couple of days.
Romelu Lukaku returned to the starting line-up following his apology for the recent indecent interview. Saul Niguez and Malang Sarr were also given a run-out while Hakim Ziyech adapted to the right-wing back role. The Blues were pressing as soon as the game began and reaped early fruits for their hard work.
After just five minutes, Marcos Alonso pounced on a loose ball from Japhet Tanganga and slipped the ball into Kai Havertz, who slashed the ball into the net following a deflection from Davinson Sanchez. The home side took the ascendency and built on it. They kept the ball for long periods and took control of it within seconds every time somebody lost possession.
Soon, the second goal came. Lukaku won a free kick from the edge of the box, and it was a great crossing area for Ziyech. The Moroccan whipped a sizzling ball, and a mix-up between Tanganga and Ben Davies saw the Welshman deflect the ball into his own net. The Stamford Bridge faithful rejoiced as we were two to the good without breaking a sweat.
Lukaku also got a chance off a clear header towards the end of the first half, but the Belgian scuffed it and could not get complete contact. Antonio Conte, who returned to the Bridge after 4 years, ringed in the changes at half-time, and it worked in the opening minutes of the second half. Spurs pressed higher up the pitch, and Tanguy Ndombele looked the liveliest on the pitch.
However, the Blues took control of the game again and tried to create chances. Timo Werner, who had come on for Havertz at half-time, then got himself into a 1v1 situation with Hugo Lloris following an incredible pass from Ziyech. But the French goalkeeper read the chip by the German and saved it from being 3-0 before 70 minutes. Spurs prodded on for a consolation goal, but Sarr and Antonio Rudiger produced a sound defensive performance at the back.
It also helped that Niguez had probably his best game in the blue jersey, despite being taken off 15 minutes from full-time. The Spaniard dictated play and won most of his duels to maintain control in the centre of the pitch. The Blues shall now be in full control going into the second leg as they only have to avoid Spurs scoring more than once at the N17 in a week’s time.
Let us now see how some fans reacted on Twitter to the derby victory at Stamford Bridge.
Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…
Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…
In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…
Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…
Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…