Goals: Chelsea—Hazard 19’ - Drogba 22’ - Remy 73'
Recap: Ninety minutes of inspired football saw Chelsea capture a 3-0 victory over Tottenham on Wednesday.
Despite conceding a majority of the chances in the opening 15 minutes, the Blues put on a masterclass midway through the first half. Superb build-up from Didier Drogba allowed Eden Hazard to open the affair in the 19th minute. Oscar provided Drogba a big chance of his own just three minutes later, doubling Chelsea’s advantage. Tottenham had little to offer from there.
Loic Remy sealed the 3-0 victory with a clinical finish in the 73rd minute.
Key Moment: Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris did the club zero favors in the first half. Having just conceded the opener, the priority for Mauricio Pochettino’s men was to weather the storm and avoid an onslaught from the hosts. Lloris had other plans. The 27-year-old, facing no pressure from Chelsea’s front line, launched the ball directly to Hazard’s feet. The Belgian fed his Brazilian teammate, who in turn delivered the through-ball that ended Tottenham’s night.
Man of the Match: Even at 36, Drogba remains effective. The iconic striker finished with one goal and an assist.
Lesson Learned: The Premier League is Chelsea and nothing else. Tottenham entered the match eight places behind the league leaders in the table, but ended miles away on the pitch. For all the heralded commentary from the fans and media, promoting the Premier League as Europe’s best, the EPL boasts a slew of pedestrian clubs unable to perform at the highest level. Tottenham is a glaring example. Even Manchester City, who currently sit second in the table, are incapable of competing against the world’s best in the UEFA Champions League. England’s best chance at maintaining the prestige no longer present on the pitch rests on the shoulders of Chelsea.
Up Next: Both clubs return to league play on Dec. 6, with Chelsea visiting Newcastle United and Tottenham hosting Crystal Place.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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