Chelsea must prepare for a possible Second Battle of the Bridge

Infamously, the 2-2 draw in the 2015/2016 season became known as the “Battle of the Bridge”. Chelsea must prepare for another one when they host Spurs.

The 2015/2016 season had Chelsea mentally beaten down. They limped out of the gates and continued to do so until Jose Mourinho was fired. With Guus Hiddink in charge for a second time, they barely improved.

On the other side of the aisle was Tottenham Hotspur. For the first time in ages, they were competing for the title. They knew the calculus needed. When they went to Stamford Bridge, they had to win or else the title would miraculously become Leicester City’s.

For whatever reason, they deviate from their normal strategy and went with one of overt aggression. Perhaps they were trying to take advantage of Chelsea’s fragile mental state that season. Show up and show they mean business. It backfired spectacularly.

Chelsea did not bend or break under Spurs’ aggression. They matched it tit for tat. Chelsea rallied from two goals down to send their London rivals into fits. 11 yellow cards, an eye gouge and a fall from Hiddink later and the match ended 2-2; Leicester were champions.

Now, almost two years later, Chelsea host Spurs in another vital match. The stakes are much different. Neither Spurs nor Chelsea will win the title. But both have something to play for this time. If there is a winner, they will have a much firmer grasp on top four. A draw will not suit Chelsea. A loss by either side would be mentally crippling.

With so much on the line, Chelsea should prepare for a Second Battle of the Bridge. Spurs learned a lot that day nearly two years ago. Namely, do not throw away a winning formula to “show them good”. Mauricio Pochettino will have made his squad well aware of the mistakes that day and will urge his squad not to repeat them.

Antonio Conte was not at the first battle but likely watched it with much interest as he prepared for the Chelsea job. Chelsea rose to the occasion that day and Conte will attempt to tap into that same well spring this time. The best thing he can do is prepare the squad for the worst and be pleasantly surprised by the alternatives.

If Spurs attempt to come out swinging again, they will lose. This Chelsea squad is much different but on the occasion they have been shown to step up this season. They know they need to win to have a chance at top four. They know that form wise they go in as underdogs.

Chelsea need all three points. They need to react to whatever strategy Spurs implement. If Spurs come out fighting like before, Chelsea need to match it. They need to take advantage of the mentality that Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus spoke about.

Next: Chelsea: Unusual XI's do not impede goals, points against Tottenham

Draw them in and let them drop their own points once more. That should be Conte and Chelsea’s mantra as they host their London rivals in a pivotal fixture for both. A Second Battle of the Bridge could be looming and Chelsea must be prepared to win it.

Home/Chelsea FC News