Chelsea’s hopes of a top four finish were dealt a seismic blow after losing 3-1 at home to Tottenham on Sunday.
After squandering chances following Alvaro Morata’s opener, the Blues’ wastefulness was punished when Christian Eriksen fired home a dipping shot off the underside of the bar in first half injury time.
Chelsea found themselves chasing the game in the second half and conceded twice in the space of a few minutes. A simple long ball caught out Andreas Christensen and Dele Alli put Spurs in front. Moments later, confusion in the Chelsea area allowed Alli to score a second and put the game beyond reach.
Positives
The scoreline was flattering for the visitors. For large periods of the game Chelsea were the better side and were only thwarted by an organised Tottenham defence. The wing-backs enjoyed plenty of space in advanced areas in the first half as Spurs struggled to deal with quick switching of play.
Negatives
Another repeat of the same old story that has dogged Chelsea in 2018: a lack of ruthlessness up front, coupled with damaging individual errors that directly resulted in goals conceded. There was plenty of fight after falling 3-1 behind but not enough leadership or grit to get back into the game.
Manager rating out of 10
6 — The first half was a victory for Antonio Conte’s methods despite it ending 1-1. His team’s shape caused Spurs plenty of problems. The second half was less impressive, largely as the team’s patterns of play became predictable. The decision to introduce Olivier Giroud and switch to 4-4-2 late on didn’t reflect well on Conte. The players seemed to have no idea how to operate in that system.
Player ratings (1-10, 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Willy Caballero, 6 — An erratic display that saw some brilliant saves along with some awful moments with the ball at his feet. Some question marks over whether he might have kept out Eriksen’s equaliser.
DF Antonio Rudiger, 7 — His long range passing continues to be an asset for the team as he sprang several attacks. Unfortunately allowed Son Heung-Min to run off him for the third goal.
DF Andreas Christensen 5 — His difficult spell continued despite a reasonable start to the game. Lost Alli for his first goal which seemed to affect him as his decision making collapsed after that.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 7 — Made some vital interventions and also got forward on occasion to decent effect. Fired a late volley well wide.
MF Victor Moses, 6 — Set up Morata’s goal with a wonderful cross in a decent first half but saw his contribution diminish after the break. Wasted a number of decent openings and was often caught out of position. Also gave the ball away in the lead up to Eriksen’s opener.
MF N’Golo Kante, 8 — Chelsea’s best player by a distance. Popped up everywhere winning the ball and surged forward at every given opportunity.
MF Cesc Fabregas, 6 — Actually did reasonably well in the physical midfield battle but failed to supplement that with his usually judicious use of the ball.
MF Marcos Alonso, 7 — Took up some excellent attacking positions though will be disappointed not to have scored despite a number of attempts. Seemed exhausted in the second half and was substituted.
FW Eden Hazard, 6 — Was unable to deliver the moments of magic his team required despite plenty of endeavour. Was starved of the ball which didn’t help.
FW Willian, 6 — Had a few bright moments in the first half before fading after half time. Only had one shot at goal, which curled harmlessly wide.
FW Alvaro Morata, 7 — Showed excellent movement and desire without always getting the reward. Took his goal well but struggled to impose himself in the second half.
Substitutes:
FW Olivier Giroud, N/R — Brought on late but had no decent service to affect the game.
DF Emerson Palmieri, N/R — Replaced a shattered Alonso without having an impact.
FW Callum Hudson-Odoi, N/R — Got on the ball a few times though the game was gone by that point.
Phil is one of ESPN’s Chelsea bloggers. You can follow him on Twitter @PhilLythell.
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