Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham: The one where Saul answered the call

Saul stepping up at the right time

Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea are now just 90 minutes away from another final. And while it may not have the gravitas of a European Cup, it is the first silverware of the season and creates a winning mentality. It will also be the first time since 2015 that a team not from Manchester will have their name on the trophy.

The questions looming over the match was whether Romelu Lukaku would be reinstated to the starting lineup after his nonsense interview and who were the two new players who had Covid. Lukaku was picked ahead of Timo Werner to lead the line. While N'Golo Kante and Thiago Silva tested positive following their close up action with Liverpool's outbreak.

It took just five minutes for Kai Havertz to get Chelsea off to the perfect start - with a helping hand from Davinson Sanchez. The silky German's shot deflected in off of the Tottenham defender - and proved to be a sign of things to come from the visitors. In a calamitous mix-up a half hour later, Japhet Tanganga's header hit Ben Davies and deflected in past Hugo Lloris to double Chelsea's lead.

Antonio Conte definitely had a strong word or three for his players at the break, as they came out a lot more organised, playing with purpose and without Matt Doherty after his experiment at left-wing back came to an abrupt end. Tuchel made an early sub of his own with Timo Werner coming on for Havertz. 

Chelsea go into the reverse fixture as favourites with a solid performance and two goal lead. However, with the chaos that ensued in the opening 45 minutes and a couple of chances that should have been, the Blues can feel a degree of disappointment at not taking three or even four goals to White Hart Lane.

Kai Havertz playing through the pain

Saul may have not been first choice in Wednesday night's midfield had it not been for Covid and injury concerns. But finally, he found his feet. He has quietly been getting better despite being played all over the pitch, but against Tottenham he really found his place in this Chelsea team. He rose to the challenge to become the all-action midfielder with his tackling and ball recovery second to none. More of this please Mr. Niguez.

Saul's best mate from the Spain squad, Kepa, also did well. The keeper wasn't put under too much pressure from Harry Kane and Co. But rose to the challenge whenever called upon. A clean sheet should fill him with confidence as he becomes Chelsea's de facto No. 1 this month -- and will be facing Tottenham two more times in the next two weeks. A big moment for the shotstopper who lost his way for a bit.

Kai Havertz also proved himself to be a warrior, and in all honesty, do not know how he remained on the pitch until half time. The forward broke his finger after scoring the opener. After some brief treatment in the technical area he was back on and going toe to toe with Tottenham's defenders. Even Tuchel was impressing noting after the match "Kai has the issue with his finger, he broke his finger and it looked horrible. And he played through the pain that was getting bigger and bigger."

Romelu Lukaku's return went exactly how everyone, but Romelu Lukaku would have expected. The reception was toned down from what it would have been had he faced Liverpool. While largely reported as 'positive', it was really lukewarm at best. A smattering of boos among indifference was the tone as the teamsheets were read out. His performance matching the tone did not do much to win the Chelsea faithful back - but he'll have two more chances at Spurs this month to prove he can do an important goal against a fierce rival. The only actual way to get fans back onside.

The first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final also meant Antonio Conte will get two returns to Stamford Bridge this month rather than one. Thankfully, he still has a long way to go to turn his new players around. But if truth be told, I enjoyed seeing him back. No one does technical area enthusiasm quite like the Don. He also clearly still has immense respect for the club. After the defeat the former boss said:  "Before the game, I said this type of game can show us the difference, the gap there is between us and a top club like Chelsea. I think we struggled a lot this evening. They showed they were much stronger than us and for sure, we need to be disappointed."

Next up Chesterfield in the FA Cup. Heavy squad rotation incoming.

jb x

RESULT: Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham

GOALS: Havertz 5', Davies (OG) 34'

CHELSEA XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta (Vale 90), Sarr, Rudiger, Marcos Alonso, Jorginho, Saul (Loftus-Cheek 73), Mount (Kovacic 73), Ziyech (Pulisic 79), Havertz (Werner 46), Lukaku

STAR MAN: Saul