Pedro Punishes Spurs

Pedro opens the scoring in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Tottenham.

Image Credit: Premier League

By Lee Clow

27 February 2019 | Premier League

On a night that was focusing on Chelsea’s goalkeepers, it was Tottenham‘s goalkeeper who made headlines.

A game that was highly anticipated by all certainly lived up to expectations. Before the game much of the build-up was focused on Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation. When the line ups were released it was revealed that Maurizio Sarri had dropped number one goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for Willy Caballero after the events of the League Cup final.

Chelsea started the game brightly and were close to scoring through Gonzalo Higuain who struck the woodwork. Spurs grew into the game and also found themselves hitting the woodwork when Winks’ power drive dipped onto Cabellero’s cross bar.

After a goalless first half, Chelsea took the lead after 57 minutes, when Pedro wriggled through from the right and slotted through the legs of keeper Hugo Lloris. Spurs tried to respond to the goal by throwing on Fernando Llorente however it came to nothing as the north London club failed to register a shot on target for the first time under Mauricio Pochettino in the Premier League.

A night which all but ended Spurs’ title hopes got worse when Kieran Trippier scored an embarrassing own goal past his own keeper after a huge miscommunication. Lloris seemed to come out and collect the ball from Giroud’s flick on, however Trippier decided to play a pass back catching the goalkeeper unaware.

The win for Chelsea keeps them in the hunt for the top 4 where the defeat for Tottenham leaves them 9 points of leaders Liverpool.

After the game, Pochettino spoke about his disappointment with his side’s performance “We didn't shoot, and we were not consistent enough. It was an even game, but we didn't create too much. I was disappointed because it was another defeat, but we have to be sure we are ready for Saturday, and another tough London derby."

Maurizio Sarri spoke about his decision on dropping Kepa “I think it was the right decision, Kepa made a big mistake, he paid with the club, and then he had to pay with the team” Sarri continued “But now I have to think we have to stop, Kepa from tomorrow will be with us. He is back in the team for the weekend, I don't know in the next match if he will be on the pitch or not, but one of the next two he will."

What’s next?

Tottenham host their biggest rivals Arsenal at Wembley in the North London Derby on Saturday while Chelsea also have a London derby against Fulham on Sunday.