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Without half the squad available due to injury, suspension and dodgy text messages — the last team Chelsea needed to face this week was the one with ‘the most points over the last two season’. Other trophyless titles are available. See also best offence and / or best defence in the country.
There were some glimmers of hope that were carefully placed in the papers and on your social media timelines. Mostly in the form of a tiny little Belgian magician who just happens to love a goal against Tottenham. Eden Hazard returned to full training for the first time this week and there was a chance that he could make the bench. He didn’t.
However, one of Chelsea’s other walking wounded not only got into the match day squad, but only found himself in the starting XI. Tiemoue Bakayoko would likely not have been risked if it had not been for Cesc Fabregas’ love of sarcasm. He looks like he still needs time to settle and sort out his knee. But there’s a lot of physical potential there to fill the Nemanja Matic sized hole.
Before actually getting into the match itself, it’s only prudent to talk about the elephant in the room. Antonio Conte’s suit has returned in all its glory to the technical area. I’m not saying it was completely responsible for the win on Sunday. But it played its part. Apparently he’s not yet found a house in London and his suit was back in Italy - and he was forced to wear the tracksuit or go nude last week. Put complete panic about him not yet living in London aside - do we really believe he loves his club suit so much that he takes it back to Italy with him?
Chelsea started with their patchwork lineup in a patchwork formation - as David Luiz shifted into the midfield. Which some people will have been fantasising about for actual years. While it was a solid performance the back three looked a bit disorganised at times without him or Gary Cahill there to give their heads a wobble. Even Cesar Azpilicueta was looking a little lost. A lot less flapping to be expected next week against Everton.
Tottenham went with a more familiar lineup - at least familiar to Chelsea as they used the now very fashionable three at the back. And yes - I know they used it quite a few times last season. But it looks like Not Danny Rose and Not Kyle Walkers(-Peters) need some time to get used to the system. Or just pick up the pace a bit. Despite Spurs managing EIGHTEEN shots there looked to be something a little off. And I don’t buy that it’s the size of the pitch. It’s not like Wembley is twice the size of White Hart Lane.
Of those 18 shots, 8 cam from Harry Kane. Mate. This August curse is real. I fully regret ignoring it for my fantasy football team. Harry Kane has NEVER scored a goal for Tottenham in August. And while you think there's not that many games in August so it's not that big a deal -- it's been like 12 matches. For someone who's won consecutive golden boot awards, it's crazy. He was terribly unlucky not to score against Newcastle last week. And again this week. He hit the post, he was left one on one with Courtois. And nothing. Damning statistic of the weekend: Michy Batshuayi has scored more Premier League goals in August for Tottenham than Harry Kane.
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| Never leave me again |
As much as I’m a fan of Michy Batshuayi - I realise he’s on the fringe of players that Antonio Conte is willing to make eye contact with. I had high hopes for their new found relationship as he was handed a start last week. But it wasn’t to be. Despite Conte’s insistence that Morata is not yet fully match fit, he was handed a start this week. The goal and assist against Burnley probably helped that along. But Morata looked to have a touch of the Kane’s on Sunday. A couple of golden opportunities, but ultimately no goal. 79’ Batshuayi comes on. 82’ Batshuayi equalises for Spurs. There wasn’t too much he could do as Alderweireld was right behind him and would have pounced on that ball anyways - but I suspect the Don may not be as forgiving. Pray for Batshuayi to at least make the bench.
But luckily for Michy there was Marcos Alonso. What. A. Man. I genuinely do not understand the harsh criticism he receives from Chelsea supporters on a regular basis. It’s a bizarre to me as the absolute fetishising of Victor Moses than anything better than a mid-table player. From his debut in the cup against Leicester I’ve been impressed with Alonso. He works hard, he doesn’t just give the ball away like other aforementioned wing-backs. He’s a decent crosser of the ball and a brilliant free-kick taker. As evidenced when he opened the scoring yesterday. What. A. Goal!
Alonso’s run for the winning goal was clever and alert. Watching replays back you can see him checking for other players in the box so he could decide whether to cross or shoot. Unlike some other players *cough* Victor Moses *cough* who keeps his head down and shoots even if there’s 6 better positioned players. On this occasion it was only Batshuayi who’d made the run and he was at a bad angle and was heavily man-marked. Quick thinking and just like that Chelsea went and did a win.
Crisis over.
jb xx
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