Three things to look for in Chelsea vs. Spurs: Battle for first place
3. The midfield melee
A lot of the stories—including 2/3 of this piece—surround the managerial clash or the positional race between Chelsea and Spurs. There are a lot of interesting on-field aspects to this event too. Many will turn to the high-flying Tottenham front line or the solidified Blues back line, but it’s really the midfield trios that will decide the outcome of this game.
The collection of players in the middle of the park could not be more different on both sides. Chelsea is made up of—when at full strength—three phenoms well known to the footballing world. Tottenham, on the other hand, is comprised of a trio of extremely talented footballers who are lesser known on the global stage. Regardless of status, the two sides are extremely well balanced and both can claim one of the best midfield collections in the Premier League.
The Blues’ three-man midfield is formed with a single holding midfielder anchoring the side with dual No. 8s in front. For Chelsea, N’Golo Kante is the base with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz playing advanced roles. Kante’s world class defensive skills and unmatched work rate make it increasingly difficult for opposing attackers to reach the Blues’ back line. Further, it frees up Mount and Havertz to join the attack in possession and press high up the pitch when out of it. The switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 has sparked the run Chelsea is currently on and the Blues have shown no signs of slowing.
Spurs play in a formation similar to what Lampard used early in the season with Chelsea. Mourinho usually deploys Moussa Sissoko and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg—Spurs’ recent signing—as the two defensive midfielders. This allows either Tanguy Ndombele or Giovani Lo Celso to get forward and link up with Harry Kane or the wingers. Kane’s newfound ability to drop deep and receive possession—mixed with Sissoko and Hojbjerg doing the dirty work—has seen Tottenham thrive when in possession. It also allows for Mourinho’s side to absorb pressure and remain defensively compact and sound.
Both midfields are top tier and although they play slightly different styles, they have equal importance for their respective clubs. Regardless of superstar status or other factors surrounding the sides, the match up in the middle is incredibly balanced. Whichever midfield is able to control the contest will likely come out on top when things are said and done.
dark. Next. Three key clashes as Chelsea hosts Spurs: N'Golo Kante vs. Harry Kane
What is something you’ll be looking for in the match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!