Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham: Hits and Flops as Blues return to winning ways | Carabao Cup 2021-22

Kai Havertz in action against Tottenham
Kai Havertz in action against Tottenham

Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to take a comfortable lead in their EFL semi-final.

Chelsea took charge of the game from the starting whistle, with Kai Havertz opening the scoring for the hosts in the fifth minute. The German capitalised after some fabulous work down the line by Marcos Alonso.

The Blues doubled their advantage after half an hour when Ben Davies scored an own goal. Japhet Tanganga made a messy clearance off an Hakim Ziyech free-kick that hit Davies on his shoulder before going in.

On that note, here's a look at the five hits and flops from either team in the game:


#5 Hit: Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea)

Hakim Ziyech clashes with Ben Davies
Hakim Ziyech clashes with Ben Davies

Hakim Ziyech had a solid game for Chelsea. The Moroccan international created four chances, made five recoveries, won three duels and made one interception. Moreover, he also had the most attempts on goal (3).

His highlight of the night was his long pass to set up Timo Werner. It would have been the talk of the town had the German converted it.


#4 Japhet Tanganga (Tottenham)

Japhet Tanganga tussles it out with Timo Werner.
Japhet Tanganga tussles it out with Timo Werner.

Japhet Tanganga had a game to forget. The Englishman's lapse in concentration allowed Kai Havertz through on goal for Chelsea's first of the night. Tanganga was busy watching Marcos Alonso advancing higher up the pitch.

For Chelsea's second, his headed clearance off Ziyech's free-kick hit Davies' shoulder, and ended up in the back of the net. He was lucky to get away with two more errors in the second half.

#3 Hit: Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)

Marcos Alonso had a solid game for Chelsea.
Marcos Alonso had a solid game for Chelsea.

Chelsea's Marcos Alonso owned the left flank against Tottenham. His work ethic was phenomenal. Alonso was at the centre of Chelsea's opener. He pounced on a loose pass from Tanganga, and brilliantly spotted Kai Havertz's run before setting him up.

Alonso created five chances, won two duels, made four recoveries and made one interception throughout the game.

It was an all-round performance from the Spaniard.


#2 Flop: Heung-Min Son (Tottenham)

Heung-min Son looks dejected after losing against Chelsea.
Heung-min Son looks dejected after losing against Chelsea.

Heung-Min Son was a disappointment against Chelsea. The 29-year-old failed to provide inspiration for Tottenham up front as he struggled against the Chelsea backline all game.

He lost possession six times, and also lost 13 duels on the night. His link-up play with Harry Kane was non-existent. Son was eventually taken off for Giovani Lo Celso in the 79th minute.


#1 Hit: Saul Niguez (Chelsea)

Chelsea FC vs Juventus: Group H
Chelsea FC vs Juventus: Group H

Saul Niguez had an incredible game for Chelsea. He maintained the tempo of the game, and orchestrated the play for Chelsea. Everything went through him. He combined well with Jorginho down the centre.

Niguez won four of his six tackles, created two chances, won eight duels, made six and intercepted the ball thrice.

If he is able to build on this performance, he could cement a spot in Chelsea's starting line-up.

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