Here are three things Standard Sport learned from Chelsea’s win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Sanchez impresses as Chelsea neutralise set-piece threat
It was always going to be important for Chelsea to defend their box with confidence if they were to get the better of Tottenham, and Robert Sanchez’s assertive performance helped the Blues deal with their London rivals’ set-piece threat.
Only Arsenal and Chelsea have scored more Premier League goals from corners this season than Tottenham, who have also utilised long throws to great effect.
Towering: Robert Sanchez
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Chelsea were expected to struggle with Tottenham’s set-piece threat, but with Sanchez between the sticks, they rarely looked troubled.
The Spaniard has come in for his fair share of criticism in a Chelsea shirt, but he produced a dominant performance, coming off his line well to claim a number of crosses, as Chelsea limited Tottenham to just one shot on target.
Sanchez’s distribution has also come under fire, but against Tottenham, he got Chelsea moving forward quickly, releasing Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho into space at every opportunity.
Chelsea have been guilty of inviting pressure on themselves, but that wasn’t the case tonight, with Sanchez providing a solid base from which the Blues could build.
Maresca has stood by Sanchez, and his faith was rewarded here with the Chelsea goalkeeper putting in an assured display.
Joao Pedro finds shooting boots
After a lucrative start to his Chelsea career, the goals dried up for Joao Pedro, with Enzo Maresca stating the Brazilian could not be relied upon to score 20 goals a season for the Blues.
The 24-year-old, who has been nursing a groin issue, has not looked like the same player he was when his goals propelled Chelsea to Club World Cup glory in July.
All smiles: Joao Pedro
REUTERS
But he responded emphatically to his critics with his first goal since August, giving Chelsea the lead after 34 minutes.
Against Sunderland, Joao Pedro was deployed in a supporting role and struggled to influence the game, playing off of the inexperienced Marc Guiu.
However, leading the line at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he looked back to his best and could easily have had three goals in a first half that Chelsea had the better of.
There are still questions over Joao Pedro, who should have wrapped up the three points deep in stoppage-time, but he proved his worth with a battling performance as Chelsea held out for a much-needed three points.
Chelsea continue excellent record against Tottenham
It is now five successive wins for Chelsea against Tottenham, and just one loss in 13 meetings since 2020.
The Blues did not have to be at their best tonight, spurning a couple of gilt-edged chances to put the game to bed, but they were resolute and importantly kept their cool as Tottenham pushed for an equaliser.
Maresca’s side launched a brief title charge off the back of their victory here last season, and while this performance was by no means glittering, it showcased an impressive determination and focus that has been lacking in recent weeks.
Chelsea need to use this result as a springboard towards consistency over a busy winter schedule, with winnable games against Wolves, Burnley, and Leeds to come in their next four league games.
The Blues have always promised to capitalise on results like tonight; now they must come of age and take hold of the opportunity their undoubted talent has afforded them.
