The two London teams met at White Hart lane Thursday for an exciting and spectacular match of world class soccer. Chelsea were looking to keep their top spot on the table after a great start to the season. Tottenham were looking to get the year off on the right foot, increase their unbeaten run and redeem themselves of a 3-0 defeat by Chelsea last month.
Chelsea got off to a good start keeping possession and knocking on the door. They were able to get on the scoreboard early in the 18th minute. Eden Hazard’s shot was rebounded off the post and landed at Oscar’s feet, his shot landed right at Diego Costas’ feet who hit it home without trouble.
Chelsea kept their momentum, but it was Tottenham who were able to get even. A great solo run from Harry Kane who took on a few players before striking the ball from 25 yards out into the bottom corner of Thibaut Courtois.
Tottenham made the match much more interesting making Chelsea fight for their points if they were to walk away with any.
Tottenham were able to take the lead at the 44th minute as Nacer Chadli’s shot rebounded off the post, much like Chelsea’s first goal, and full-back Danny Rose sprinted towards the ball to put it in the back of the net.
Six minutes later, Harry Kane was again able to cause a threat to Chelsea and was brought down sloppily by Garry Cahill inside the box. Andros Townsend stepped up to take the penalty-kick and made no mistake putting the ball into the right corner. Courtois guessed the right way, but Townsend’s ball was too strong for the Belgian.
The break was not enough to stop Tottenham’s momentum. In the 52nd minute, Kane again showed just how good he is with a perfect turn with the ball and a textbook finish into the opposite bottom corner of the goal. The fans at White Hart lane went absolutely insane.
Chelsea’s attack seemed to have died down after the fourth goal, but were able to bring one back in the 61st minute. Cesc Fabregas did what he does best by assisting Hazard’s run with a perfect “1-2” pass. Hazard struck the ball well past Hugo Lloris and into the net.
Just after a great save from Hugo Lloris, Tottenham got their fifth. Kane fed Chadli’s run on the outside of the box and his shot took a deflection off of John Terry and passed a helpless Courtois.
Chelsea were able to get a consolation goal as Branislav Ivanovic’s across the goal made it all the way to Terry’s feet. With the goal, Chelsea kept the goal difference even with Manchester City’s, but it was not enough to keep them in the first spot on the table.
Final score: Chelsea 3-5 Tottenham
This loss to cross-town rivals marks their second and biggest loss of the season. Their record now matches that of Manchester City which has much to say about City’s run in the league. Despite getting the season off to a nearly perfect start, the race for the title is still open. Chelsea’s next opponent is Newcastle, to whom they have suffered their first defeat earlier in the season. Jose Mourinhio must take advantage of the nine-day break to recollect his thoughts and bring the team back to speed.
Tottenham could not have started the new year any better as they increase their unbeaten run to seven and take fifth place on the table. Mauricio Pochettino has done well to turn the club around since succeeding Tim Sherwood.
At just 21, Harry Kane now has 7 goals in the Premier League and 5 in the Europa League. He has had a great breakout season and could be the best young player of the season. Goal-keeper Hugo Lloris has had a handful of fantastic performances this season including the match against Manchester United which ended in a draw. Despite having conceeded three goals, he will be pleased with his performances and season thus far.
Tottenham will face Burnley in the FA cup on the 5th and Crystal Palace next Saturday. Tottenham have tasted Europa League action before, but are keen on getting a Champions League birth. They will need to fight off Southampton if they are to do so, but the “Saints” are also enjoying a fantastic season and beat Arsenal today 2-0 to stay two points ahead of the “Spurs”.
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