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A Tottenham Hotspur versus Chelsea game is always intense, and the presence of Jose Mourinho in Spurs' dugout added another dimension to the fixture. It was billed as the matchup between the 'Master' and the 'Apprentice'.
Frank Lampard's side started the game on the front foot and took the lead inside 13 minutes through Willian. Chelsea continued to dominate the match as Tottenham struggled to create any meaningful attempt on goal. Chelsea made their dominance count when they doubled their lead in the injury-time of the first half. Paulo Gazzaniga conceded a penalty after his poor tackle on Marcus Alonso and Willian dispatched the resultant spot-kick.
Mourinho switched formation after the first half by introducing Christian Eriksen in place of Eric Dier. Tottenham started to gain a foothold in the game, however, their momentum was disrupted after Heung-min Son received a red card for his kick on Rudiger. Mourinho's side still tried to push forward but Chelsea smartly managed the rest of the game to take home the three points.
While several players impressed, others failed to live up to the expectations. Here are five hits and flops from the game:
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#5 Hit: Mason Mount
Mason Mount had been struggling for form recently after a bright start to the season. Mount is very important to the high-pressing style Lampard is implementing at Chelsea. Playing in his first London derby against Tottenham, the young England international was back to his best.
Mount kept pressing the Tottenham defense throughout the game. He was winning the ball in dangerous areas which helped Chelsea maintain the pressure. He did not end up scoring or assisting any of the goals, but it was his energy on and off the ball that troubled the hosts immensely.
Mount was also very efficient with the ball in this game. He has shown a tendency for playing high-risk passes this season. However, he was very smart with his passes in this game and it ensured that Chelsea did not end up facing dangerous counter-attacks as they have been guilty of on a few ocassions this season.
#4 Flop: Heung-min Son
Heung-min Son struggled to get involved in the game during the first half as Tottenham were not able to push the ball forward. Son, Dele Alli and Harry Kane were starved of any good opportunity to impact the game which left them frustrated.
Son let the frustration get the better of him in the second half as he tried to kick out at Antonio Rudiger in the 62nd minute after a tackle from the German. The referee initially awarded a free-kick to Tottenham, however, his decision was overturned by VAR and Son was shown a red card for his reaction.
This was a huge set back for the hosts as they tried to get back into the game. Tottenham had started the second half brightly and looked likely to score. But the red card made it next to impossible for them to get back into the game. The South Korean international has become a very important player for Tottenham but he lost his composure on Sunday and let his side down.
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#3 Hit: Marcus Alonso
Marcus Alonso made his comeback to the Chelsea side today after Emerson was ruled out of the game. The Spaniard has struggled for form this season but he was back playing at his favored position at left wing-back today.
Tottenham's right-back Serge Aurier struggled to cope with Alonso's movement throughout the game. Alonso provided the width for Chelsea and helped stretch the hosts' defense. He was also instrumental in defending the lead when Tottenham attacked at the start of the second half.
The Spaniard was getting into dangerous positions all the time. It was his run into the box that won Chelsea the penalty. The Chelsea faithful will be glad to see him back in form as they approach the busy festive period.
#2 Flop: Serge Aurier
Serge Aurier had a terrible day against Chelsea. The Ivorian struggled to cope with the threat of Alonso and Willian. He was drawn out of position multiple times as Chelsea looked to target him in the first half.
Aurier conceded the corner through which Chelsea scored the first goal. The right-back was under no pressure when he headed the ball for a corner. He was then slow to close down Willian as the Blues took the corner quickly.
He was given the freedom to move higher up the pitch in the second half by Mourinho as Tottenham looked for a goal. But his crosses into the box were not good enough. He failed to find any Tottenham player inside the box with his crosses. He has been criticised for his performances this season and it will not be a surprise if Mourinho tries to find a replacement in the winter transfer window.
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#1 Hit: Willian
Willian was back to his brilliant best against Tottenham. The Brazilian scored the first goal of the game after a brilliant piece of skill to beat Aurier. Then he converted the penalty to double Chelsea's lead at the end of the first half.
The winger was a constant threat to the Tottenham defence. His pass over the top of the hosts' defence to Alonso won the Blues a penalty which he ended up converting. His overall performance was very impressive as well. His work-rate, defensive contribution and carrying the ball forward from deep were all on display.
Willian should have had an assist as well when he played Kante through on goal with an amazing pass. Lampard would be glad to see such a performance from one of the most experienced players in this young Chelsea side. The Brazilian was Man of the Match today and Chelsea fans will hope for more such performances this season.
