With the equally imposing Reece James also restored to wing-back it was torrid half for Spurs’ Ben Davies and Eric Dier but, as the Bavarian pointed out, a killer instinct in the final third would have made for a far more comfortable night.
Blues’ players squandering possession contributed to Spurs’ second-half improvement, though the renewed defensive resilience and team structure limited the anguish of west London’s faithful to two attempts on target. That meant just four accurate shots at Edou Mendy’s goal over the past three games, but the ’keeper’s reliability with his feet against the hosts’ high press also helped out.
Thiago Silva’s muscle injury is likely to break up the three centre-backs, but the system has always suited Andreas Christensen and he came on for a fine performance on Thursday.
The quick turnaround may present opportunities for those who missed out on that delightful derby victory, too, such as Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, Kurt Zouma and Tammy Abraham. The latter has scored four career goals in four encounters with Sheffield United (one of those for Aston Villa). Fellow striker Timo Werner could make it a ‘double’ against the Blades after netting in the 4-1 drubbing of them at the Bridge in November.
That reverse fixture confirmed Ziyech’s left foot as a new weapon in Chelsea’s armoury. The Moroccan’s crosses and set-plays carved out three great chances for the Blues, two of them assists.
Let’