Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports
Chelsea FC wouldn’t have far to travel for their new years day excursion, as they faced London rivals Tottenham. Chelsea fans have dubbed Spurs’ home stadium White Hart Lane, “Three Point Lane,” due to the long streak of success against their rivals. Willian and Oscar would return to the starting XI in midfield. Cesar Azpiliceta would feature at left fullback.
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For the first five minutes of the game Tottenham looked an inspired side. The Spurs players were putting in challenges all around the pitch, and looked more lively in general. They earned the first corner of the game, but couldn’t cause a threat. Nacer Chadli got off the first shot on target, but it was easily held by Thibaut Courtois.
Spurs were dealt a blow early on in the game when midfielder Ryan Mason went down with what seemed to be a hamstring injury. Mason went down following a blistering run into the box, and immediately signaled to be taken off.
Chelsea would take the lead in the 18th minute, after a spectacular play from Eden Hazard. Hazard received a long throw from Courtois, after the keeper had snatched a Spurs corner. He then kept the ball in play down the right flank, beat his marker, and sent a shot to Hugo Lloris’ far post. The keeper saved, but the ball landed at the feet of Oscar. The Brazilian out it back into the danger area, who found Diego Costa for a tap in goal.
Chelsea had a chance to double their lead in the 25th minute. Costa took advantage of a loose pass, and drove at the Spurs defense. He eventually found Oscar darting through the middle, but he couldn’t get enough power on his shot to test Lloris.
With a half hour gone, Tottenham had leveled the game. Young forward Harry Kane gave a sensational individual effort, taking on the Chelsea defense by himself, and finished low and hard past Courtois.
On the sttroke of halftime, Spurs took the lead. Chadli had thought he put his side in front, but his effort bounced off the post and back into play. Unfortunately for Chelsea fans, the ball landed to the feet of Danny Rose, who was able to finish under pressure. Tottenham finally had their breakthrough, after creating some good chances.
More misery for Chelsea fans with more time added than the additional two minutes. Gary Cahill put in a rash challenge on Kane, just inside the penalty area, and a spot kick was given. Andros Townsend stepped up, and gave Spurs a commanding 3-1 lead going into halftime.
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Tottenham certainly came to play, the third goal was somewhat debatable, but there were no doubts they deserved a lead. Chelsea would have plenty of work to do now just to secure a draw.
As the second half began Ramires came on for Oscar, giving Chelsea some needed energy in midfield.
Kane sent Spurs fans into raptures by making the score 4-1. Kane received the ball on the edge of the area, made a nice turn, and finished well to Courtois’ far post. With Tottenham now having a three goal advantage, at home no less, it seemed almost impossible for Chelsea to even try and snatch a draw.
With an hour gone Hazard pulled one back for the Blues. Federico Fazio lost possession in his own third, which lead to a breakaway for Hazard and Cesc Fabregas. It was Fabregas who notched another assist, and Hazard with the calm finish, cutting the Spurs lead in half.
Lloris played hero in the 75th minute, after he saved a wonderful effort from Azpilicueta, keeping his side two goals up.
Spurs would cap off their victory in the 78th minute, with a goal from Chadli. Kane once again kept the ball well, and found Chadli cutting inside. The wingers shot took a deflection off John Terry, and found its way into the back of the net.
With time winding down, Chelsea captain John Terry got himself a tap in goal, scoring for in consecutive Barclay’s Premier League games.
MOTM: Harry Kane – Kane scored, assisted, held up the ball, he pretty much did everything a target forward is supposed to do. He arguably had the best game of his career, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
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