Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur: 3 talking points as Giroud and Alonso secure win for the Blues | Premier League 2019-20

With just a point separating Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, the clash between the two London rivals at Stamford Bridge was one of the most anticipated matches this weekend. Goals from Olivier Giroud and Marcos Alonso meant that once again it was a win for the apprentice over the master as Frank Lampard's Chelsea ran out 2-1 winners over José Mourinho's Spurs.

Given Chelsea's poor run at home, this win will surely boost the morale inside the Blues' dressing room. They are now four points ahead of Spurs in the race to secure a Champions League place for next season.

While Lampard was brave enough to play an expansive style of football, Mourinho stuck to his signature pragmatic approach. Nonetheless, their contrary styles provided an exciting watch for the fans.

Here we highlight 3 major talking points from the clash between Chelsea and Spurs at Stamford Bridge.

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#3 Forgotten heroes come to the fore

Alonso with Giroud who has not been a regular starter

Olivier Giroud and Marcos Alonso have rarely featured for Chelsea under Frank Lampard this season. However, it seems that the exclusion from the first team has motivated the duo to raise their game. The two veterans were excellent against Spurs and guided their team to a crucial victory.

Giroud, who has lost his place in the team to Tammy Abraham, started for the first time since November. The French striker wasted no time to prove his doubters wrong, as he lashed home the opening goal in the 15th minute. Apart from his goal, the forward linked up well with Mason Mount and Ross Barkley and created key chances for his teammates.

On the other hand, Marcos Alonso - who was playing in his preferred winger position, put in an excellent performance as well. The Spaniard doubled Chelsea's lead with an amazing shot at the start of the second half.

Giroud and Alonso will now be hoping for regular first-team action after their impressive performances, however, it will be interesting to see whether Lampard plans to include both these veterans in the upcoming matches.

#2 Three at the back: The way forward for Chelsea?

Chelsea FC played with 3 in defence

Frank Lampard switched to a 3-4-3 formation against Spurs and it proved to be a successful move. Although 3-4-3 is not Lampard's preferred formation, it has helped his team achieve success against top sides such as Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur. This brings up the question, whether a 3-4-3 set-up should be the primary option for the English manager?

Firstly, playing with a 3-4-3 set-up, Chelsea can effectively utilize their left-back options, as both, Marcos Alonso and Emerson, prefer to play as wingers rather than a full-back. This was evident in yesterday's match as Marcos Alonso put in an excellent performance and was a constant threat down the left flank.

Secondly, unlike their attack, Chelsea's defense has not been up to the mark. The Blues have conceded 36 goals this season - more than any other top-six team. This is why playing 3 at the back will be a sensible option for the Blues as it will provide them with the much needed defensive solidarity.

#1 Kepa Arrizabalaga facing the axe

Arrizabalaga's time at Stamford Bridge may be coming to an end

The newspapers got their headline even before the game started as once again Kepa Arrizabalaga was made to watch the action from the sidelines and the veteran, Willy Caballero started ahead of him. This is the fourth match in a row that Arrizabalaga has been left out of the starting eleven by Frank Lampard.

The Spanish keeper only has himself to blame for his downfall after a string of underwhelming performances this season. The Chelsea goalkeeper has committed some high-profile mistakes and has a disappointing save rate of 25% this season - the worst in the Premier League.

Furthermore, it seems Arrizabalaga's time at Stamford Bridge may be coming to an end as there are heavy speculations about the Blues actively looking for a replacement between the sticks. Lampard has insisted that the Spanish shot-stopper can regain his place in the squad by training hard and showing a good attitude, however, after successive exclusions from the first team and speculations about his replacement, his there are doubts over his future at the club.

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