Chelsea can deliver yet another blow to Tottenham’s title delusions tonight at Stamford Bridge. Here are a few things to look for as Maurizio Sarri once again tries to save his job.
Losing to Tottenham at home for the first time in 20-some years was the final sackable offence for Antonio Conte in the eyes of many Chelsea fans. Since then, losing to Tottenham has become an oddly numbing sensation. The Blues have already lost twice to Spurs this season, albeit one was the first leg of a cup tie.
1. Eden Hazard can end mini-drought against Tottenham – Scott Brant
Eden Hazard was a beast in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. Chelsea had less possession, but when they did have the ball and worked it to Hazard, he made Chelsea look extremely dangerous.
There is no doubt that will carry over to this match. The Belgian loves playing against Spurs. Some of his better performances have come against them, none more so than the Battle of the Bridge when he denied Tottenham the title and handed it to Leicester City. Somewhat strangely, though, that was his last goal in this Premier League fixture.
Hazard started the season on fire, with seven goals in eight matches. But since then he has only five in the last 17 and three in 2019. Chelsea are now at the point in the season where he usually turns it up again.
The last meeting between these teams was a Carabao Cup fixture in which Hazard carried the majority of responsibility for Chelsea moving on. He earned the corner that gave N’Golo Kante the chance to nutmeg three Spurs en route to scoring the opener, before Hazard scored what turned out to be a vital second.
Hazard will likely be running at Serge Aurier or Moussa Sissoko picking him up in midfield. If Chelsea are to stand a chance against that stout Tottenham defense, the most creative force will need to be up for it. There is a bit of drama circulating the Chelsea dressing room, and hopefully Hazard can silence some of it by putting this match away early.