Dele Alli netted a brace as Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to defeat Chelsea 3-1 in a Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
The game got off to a slow start with both sides not looking to commit too much forward in terms of numbers. Spurs were awarded the first chance of the game in the ninth minute when Jan Vertonghen’s effortfrom a corner went narrowly wide.
Both sides missed efforts in quick succession a minute later through efforts from Willian and Dele Alli respectively. Willian proved a particualr threat to the Spurs defence with his pace and trickery and again came agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the 18th minute after combining well with Hazard.
A fierce midfield battle was ensued with Eric Dier and Moussa Dembele getting the better of N’Golo Kante and Cesc Fabregas. This resulted in little goalmouth action, however it was the Blues who drew first blood when Alvaro Morata got onto the end of Victor Moses’ ball into the area to put his side ahead.
Chelsea looked to be heading into the interval with their one-gal lead, however Christian Eriksen had other ideas as his effort from outside the area levelled matters with seconds left before the half-time whistle.
Spurs threatened for large parts of the second half and were duly rewarded on the hour mark when Alli gave his side the lead after a good through ball by Dier.
Things went from bad to worse for Chelsea six minutes later when Alli grabbed his brace to pile the misery on Antonio Conte’s men.
The home side looked to utilise the pace of Willian and overlapping runs of fullback Marcos Alonso in a bid to reduce the deficit, however the Spurs defence stood firm and thwarted out most of their attacking efforts.
Striker Harry Kane made his introduction in the 74th minute when he came on for the hardworking Son Heung Min.
Morata had a chance to claw one back for his side in the 76th minute, however the Spaniard fluffed his effort after being assisted by Cesar Azplicueta.
In the end, Conte’s men were unable to inspire a comeback after initially taking the lead in the London Derby, meaning that they have now lost three of their last five games in the Premier League.
Photo: Premier League website
