Chelsea continued their winning run in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Spurs last night. The London derby saw some brilliant end-to-end stuff at the beginning of the match, but once Chelsea got their rhythm right, they were unstoppable.
Here are the talking points from the London Derby.
#1 Pedro is finding his Barcelona form again
When Chelsea signed Pedro from the jaws of Manchester United last season, it turned a few heads. His debut against West Brom saw him score and assist, and everyone thought Chelsea had finally found the right winger they were missing.
Apart from that one performance, one just can't think of any other significant performance from the Spaniard last season. He could not stand out even though Chelsea's dismal season had no one step up for them.
But now, it looks like Conte has managed to give Pedro the much-needed confidence he was searching. He, along with Hazard has managed to give Diego Costa the freedom to play where ever he wants, and that's bringing out the best in all 3.
Pedro has had a hand in eight goals in his last six Premier League apps at Stamford Bridge. Three goals and five assists and he is giving the opponent defenders a nightmare.
#2 3-4-3 is not Tottenham's cup of tea
Tottenham have been playing with three at the back for the big games this season, but it's not suiting them. The opponents were able to run rings around them with ease.
Arsenal had it easy with them, and today, once Chelsea found their rhythm, they were not troubled at all. Apart from that stunner from Eriksen, Tottenham didn't have anything dangerous in the final 3rd.
Son and Alli out wide made it even worse as neither of them was able to trouble the Chelsea defenders. Moses and Alonso managed to keep them quiet throughout the game.
#3 600 minutes!
Between Mesut Ozil's goal against Chelsea at Emirates and Christian Eriksen's goal at Stamford Bridge last night, there was a gap of exactly 600 minutes played. Chelsea had not conceded a single goal in that time span in the Premier League.
Have they been found out? No really. The strike was sweet half-volley from just outside the D-Box, and it was unstoppable. Apart from that, there wasn't other attempt at goal that seemed to threaten Courtois.
Chelsea's 3-4-3 formation is still going strong, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to break them down. David Luiz, Gary Cahill, and Azpilicueta might seem to be the prominent force in this, but it's Alonso and Moses who are working wonders down the wings.
#4 26 years and counting...
Tottenham's curse of not managing a win at Stamford Bridge just continues. The North Londoners seem to have got their much-needed win last season when they were up 2-0 at halftime, but that time too, Chelsea fought and drew the game, 2-2.
This season again, Spurs dominated the first half and gave Chelsea no chance to make a comeback. Their high-pressure game was something Chelsea weren't able to break, and this gave them a lot of confidence of getting a win at Stamford Bridge finally.
A moment of sloppiness at the back and Chelsea were back in the game. After Pedro had scored, Spurs had absolutely nothing to show for their work. They were not able to get past the Chelsea defense while The Blues were easing their way past the Tottenham back line now and then.
Their hopes of finally winning a match at Stamford Bridge faded away, and it was the home crowd who went back home with a broad smile on their face.
#5 Chelsea - Title Favourites?
When Chelsea lost 3-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates, everyone thought that was the beginning of the end of Chelsea's season. Seven matches laters, Chelsea have collected all 21 points, kept clean sheets in 6 games and are on top of the table!
Manchester City and Liverpool have slipped up but are just 1 point behind the Blues. Pep Guardiola's team went on a winless run in October, and that's cost them the top place while Liverpool drew at Southampton last week.
Chelsea are in red-hot form, and with their formation working out so well, it would be difficult for anyone to stop them!
