'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Chelsea hosted Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday for a crucial fixture in the Premier League. After Chelsea's defeat to Manchester United on Monday, Tottenham had closed down the gap to the hosts to a single point.
Frank Lampard's side started the game on the front foot and took the lead inside 15 minutes through Olivier Giroud. Chelsea continued to dominate the match as Tottenham struggled to create any meaningful attempt on goal. The hosts had the majority of the possession as they pressed from the front and did not allow the visitors to settle into the game.
The Blues continued their aggressive intent in the second half. Tottenham had more of the possession in the second half, however, it was the hosts who had the better chances. Chelsea were rewarded for their efforts when Marcos Alonso scored the match-winning goal after good work from Mason Mount and Ross Barkley.
Chelsea went close to scoring another goal when Alonso hit the cross-bar from a free-kick. The visitors scored a goal to set up a tense finish to the game, however, they were lucky not to go down to 10 men after a poor challenge by Giovani Lo Celso on César Azpilicueta.
Chelsea were able to hold off the visitors and see out the rest of the game. They increased their lead over the visitors back to 4 points in the race for European places.
While several players impressed, others failed to live up to the expectations. Here are five hits and flops from the game:
__________________________________________________________________________
#5 Hit: Marcos Alonso
Marcos Alonso came back into the team for this game as one of the wing-backs. The left-back had been out of the side due to the emergence of Reece James and César Azpilicueta playing as the left-back recently, however, he proved why he has been one of the best wing-backs since his move to Stamford Bridge.
The Spaniard was a nuisance for the visitors throughout the game. His good movements kept Japhet Tanganga busy for the whole game. He came close to scoring in the first half when his shot was close to going in, however, he did not miss in the second half. He proved to be the match-winner when he produced a brilliant finish from outside the box to double Chelsea's lead.
The left-back has been linked with a summer move back to Italy recently, however, this performance was a reminder of his quality and how good a player he is to have in the squad.
#4 Flop: Giovani Lo Celso
The responsibility of creating the chances for Tottenham was on the shoulders of Giovani Lo Celso. Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are both injured, and, Dele Alli was on the bench for this game.
The Argentine struggled to influence the proceedings for most of the game. He started out wide due to which he was not able to influence the game as much the visitors would have wanted.
His performance improved in the second half. He was involved in everything Tottenham did well, however, he was probably lucky to stay on the pitch. His challenge on César Azpilicueta looked worse in slow motion and it was a surprise when he was not shown a red card even after a VAR check.
As Tottenham's star players will be out for some more time, the fans will hope that the playmaker is able to put this performance behind him and be more influential in the coming weeks.
__________________________________________________________________________
#3 Hit: Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud started for Chelsea after Tammy Abraham was fit enough to only be on the bench. Giroud was rewarded with a start after producing a promising cameo against Manchester United earlier in the week.
The Frenchman was sharp throughout the game. He was holding up the ball and linking with both Mason Mount and Ross Barkley nicely. The striker scored his first premier league goal of the season in the 15th minute of the game. He came up with an amazing shot to score the first goal of the game.
Giroud was close to a move away from Chelsea in the January transfer window, however, he had to stay after Chelsea could not find a replacement. The striker has not been given enough chances by Frank Lampard this season, but, this game will surely increase his participation in the coming weeks. His experience will be very important for Frank Lampard's young side as they look to finish in the top four this season.
#2 Flop: Tanguy Ndombele
Tanguy Ndombele's first season at Tottenham has been hindered by injuries. This game was a good opportunity for the midfielder to establish himself in Jose Mourinho's plans, however, he was a passenger for the visitors.
The Frenchman struggled to influence the game. He had some nice touches, but, was easily dispossessed multiple times which increased the pressure on Tottenham. He was neither able to create chances nor help the defense to close down Chelsea's attackers.
The only positive moment for him came when he produced a good run in the second half, however, he was not able to build on it. He was replaced by Érik Lamela as the visitors looked to get back into the game. Tottenham fans will hope the midfielder is able to get his form back as the business end of the season approaches.
__________________________________________________________________________
#1 Hit: Mason Mount
Frank Lampard stated before the game that he wanted more from Mason Mount. The youngster put in a performance to match his manager's belief in his quality.
Mount was back to his best in this game. His work rate was exceptional throughout the game. He pressed the Tottenham's defense from the front and made a real nuisance of himself. He did not have a lot of space to work with, but linked well with Giroud.
The midfielder did not score any goal, however, he went close a couple of times. He started the move for Chelsea's second goal and created a great chance for Tammy Abraham late in the game.
This performance highlighted the importance of Mount being at his best to the style of play Frank Lampard wants to implement. Chelsea fans will hope that Mount is able to build on this performance as the Blues look to firmly establish themselves in the top four in the coming weeks.
