In the end, Chelsea only needed João Pedro’s first-half strike to claim bragging rights over Tottenham Hotspur in north London on Saturday evening, yet the gulf in quality was not accurately reflected by the narrow 1–0 scoreline.
Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca came into the capital clash fretting over Tottenham’s high press, yet it was the visitors who launched a feverish assault off the ball which was led by the indefatigable and imperious Moisés Caicedo—a player who is arguably the best central midfielder in the world.
Spurs have struggled for fluency at the best of times under Thomas Frank, particularly at home, and scarcely forced Robert Sánchez into a save. By the end of a one-sided contest, Tottenham had mustered just three shots, while Chelsea claimed all three points to take them level on points with their London rivals in the Premier League top four.
