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Chelsea reminded Tottenham Hotspur of their supremacy with a convincing 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. They have been beaten and battered this season at Wembley, but in West London, the Blues outplayed their bitter rivals en route to redemption.
A scintillating solo effort from Pedro soon after the commencement of the second half put Chelsea in front, before Kieran Trippier's comical own goal sealed the deal for the hosts, who are now in touching distance within fourth-placed Arsenal, having recorded 53 points from 27 games; three behind the Gunners with a game in hand.
Chelsea controlled most of the game, emitted bundles of energy in various areas of the pitch and despite a few ventures from Spurs, held on to claim all three points.
The visitors came close to testing Willy Caballero only once when Harry Winks rattled the crossbar from distance. Other than that, they registered no shots on goal - the first time they have achieved the dishonorable feat under Mauricio Pochettino in the Premier League.
Similarly, Chelsea were denied by the woodwork, as Gonzalo Higuain sliced one to the frame of goal from 12 yards out. Moreover, the result was defined by intensity, desire and the tactical battle between two intelligent footballing minds in Pochettino and Sarri.
On that note, let's take a look at three reasons why Chelsea beat Spurs.
#3 The 'energy' factor
Spurs are, along with the likes of Manchester City, the most hard-working side in the Premier League. They cover every blade of grass, stay as disciplined as possible, nullify opposition threats in midfield and play with a sense of urgency.
But this time, it was Chelsea who gave them a taste of their own medicine. Right from the outset, the forwards burst with optimism, pressed high up the pitch and regained possession of the ball with aplomb.
Higuain struck the bar just six minutes into the game, and that was more than just an indication of Chelsea's willingness even after the disheartening defeat at Wembley three days back in the Carabao Cup final.
As compared to Tottenham, Chelsea spend most of the time in the final third of the pitch, portrayed more intensity, more urgency and moved the ball a little bit quicker. Most importantly, the sharpness was still there.
Spurs did circulate more passes, but Chelsea were switched on for most part of it.
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#2 High pressing in advanced areas of the pitch
Chelsea nearly mastered a key ingredient of the 'Sarri-ball' - high, intense pressing.
They shall continue to repeat that despite having played against a team like Manchester City, with almost the same starting eleven, the Blues never looked down. Pedro and Higuain worked their socks off, pressed from the very first minute and recovered many passes.
Another thing to be noted is the change in Sarri's game plan against this opponent. Many of you would have thought he's gone to his traditional Chelsea XI, with the same style and tactics.
But in the last PL game against the Lilywhites, the West Londoners pressed in the middle third of the pitch, which didn't quite work out as the likes of Eriksen and Alli had loads to time to pick a pass or make a run.
This time around, it was pressing with more purpose, as Chelsea regained possession of the ball at least eight times in the first 45 minutes, which not only disrupted the configuration of the opposition back line and system, but also probably led to the second goal.
#1 Defensive solidity
Pedro spun past Toby Alderweireld and Ben Davies to give Chelsea the lead while Giroud's header coupled with the miscommunication between Hugo Lloris and Trippier led to the second goal of the night. However, the story was all about Chelsea's resolute, robust and sturdy defence.
We knew Chelsea would have their task cut out against a side that has been getting the better of them in recent months, especially given the fact that Sarri would not tinker his back line - the same defenders that played high-voltage, defensive football against City.
But David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger were excellent. They marshaled the troops, sprayed passes all around, chipped in with tackles and interceptions, and got their bodies on the line to smother away anything in the air.
Cesar Azpilicueta was once again Mr. Reliable for Sarri down the right, while Marcos Alonso, who has come under major scrutiny of late for his defensive fragility, put in a fine shift at left back by sticking to his position, waiting for the ball to come to him and not lunging into challenges. Going forward, he provided a fine hand as well.
