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"It is always bad to lose to Tottenham because they make DVD's of it for the next 10 years."-Frank LampardThey will probably make DVD’s of this match for the next 100, and they deserve to do so every single bit.“Sit Down Mourinho” rang the crowd at White Hart Lane as every thing went Spurs way, atleast in attack.Chelsea travelled to Tottenham to face their London rivals for the second time within a space of a month. Spurs were outplayed in their previous meeting with Chelsea runaway winners by 3-0. And everyone expected a similar scoreline on a cold chilly night at White Hart Lane.Oscar recovered from illness and Willian was restored to start on the right side of midfield, as Mourinho put-out his most consistent choice of players. Mauricio Pochettino had a terrible record against Mourinho, losing all 7 of the previous matches between them. He made 3 changes to his squad that started against United, with Walker, Rose and Bentaleb coming in for Chiriches, Davies and Stambouli. With Mourinho complaining about a “diving campaign” against his team, there was always going to be pressure on the officials.And referee Phil Dowd got almost all the decisions that mattered spot on, irrespective of what Mourinho had to say after the match. Gary Cahill, was probably lucky to be on the pitch after a sneaky kick on the back of Harry Kane.
#1 The Premier League is open
Whoever thought that Chelsea would run away with the title, would be eating his words as the League has just been blown wide open.
Chelsea have been beaten twice, and this time handsomely too with the much talked about Chelsea defensive wall being taken down brick by brick by an inexperienced albeit extremely talented Harry Kane.
Terry and Cahill have been made to look slow on more than one occasion now, but with Matic venturing forward to look for the goals, they did not have him to fill in the cracks that appeared to get wider. This was especially evident in the last two goals for Spurs.
This would give forwards across the league much required confidence, to go and express themselves against the Blues.
With Frank Lampard scoring the late winner at the Etihad earlier, Chelsea are now exactly tied with Manchester City on every statistic that matters. They sit on top of the table only by virtue of alphabetic order. If the season finishes in the same fashion, there would be a play-off to decide the Champion. What a climax that would be!
#2 It\'s Kane again
There are some games which mark the arrival of a player, and this was certainly that game for Harry Kane.
He is not the flashiest of players, but one word which you would use to describe this 21 year old Brit is- Effective. Scoring 6 goals in the last 6 games for the Lilywhites, this young talent has got better with every game.
He always had the positioning and instincts of a good striker, but with every passing game he has improved with his passing and link-up play, and grown greatly in confidence.
Roy Hodgson definitely has an impending call-up to make.
He is great at shooting across the keeper. For his first goal, he moved to the right and unleashed a hurricane of a shot to the left. For his second, he received the ball with his back to goal, turned brilliantly and finished in the calmest of manners beyond Courtois.
In between the two goals, he also showed great presence of mind and willingness to get to the ball first to win the penalty kick from Cahill.
He could not have had a better start to the new year.
#3 \'Hand\' of the penalties
Earlier in the day, Liverpool were given two controversial penalties for handball. Chelsea could have similarly been awarded a penalty for handball when Vertonghen slid in the penalty box and the ball went on to hit his hand, with the score at 1-0.
In Fifa's Laws of the Game 2005, Law 12 says a free-kick or penalty will be awarded if a player "handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area)".
These handball decisions have been very inconsistent, and open to different interpretations by different referees. There definitely needs to be some consistency in handing out these decisions.
Mourinho, typically sour after losing the game, not only had a crack at Phil Dowd for not being in the best of shape but also had words about “other teams” that were getting these decisions in their favour.
Inspite of Mourinho’s digs at the officials, Spurs won the game fair and square and deserved their 3 points.
#4 A genius goes in vain
Eden Hazard unleashed, that is exactly what everyone at White Hart Lane got to witness. With Spurs surging 2 ahead by half time Hazard was given only one responsibility- attack! And that he did to brilliant effect. His dazzling footwork, intricate tricks and flicks, and sheer desire to score goals was a delight to watch.
On a day that Blues fans will want to forget, Eden Hazard gave them something to remember.
He brilliantly kept the ball in play and then burst past two defenders in the move that led to the first goal from Costa. He then showed some great dribbling ability and exchanged a one-two with Fabregas to finish with some ferocity in the bottom corner.
Chelsea could have had a chance if the shot from Azpilicueta beautifully set up by Hazard and brilliantly saved by Lloris had gone in. Or if Salah, who was introduced to get some goals, would have been able to do so. Hazard after showing some amazing dribbling ability, set it up on a plate, only for Salah to fire a tame shot in the hands Lloris.
#5 Spurs Rising
Slowly but surely Spurs have sneaked in to fifth,1 point above Arsenal, and sit just 2 points behind Southampton and the top four. They have picked up 17 points from their last 7 fixtures. A great record for any team over the festive period, especially with the fixtures they have had.
The defence has looked good with the partnership of Vertonghen and Fazio improving with each game. Kyle Walker seems to be getting better after his injury and caused plenty of problems for Chelsea in the first half.
Danny Rose, except for his error when he let Hazard run at him, looked to be living up to the left back he could be.
In attack, Chadli has been in great form since the start of the season despite not scoring as often recently. Harry Kane looks like he could be a revelation, Eriksen has been crucial with a few late winners off-late and was consistent with his passing today.
What is remarkable about this Spurs side is, as many as 5 players of their starting 11 are products of their youth team. Danny Rose, Ryan Mason, Nabil Bentaleb, Andros Townsend and even Harry Kane are products of a flourishing academy.
Pochettino seems to have finally discovered his touch at White Hart Lane.
