Tottenham endured another dismal home performance, losing 1-0 to Chelsea in a match that will have supporters wondering how long Jose Mourinho can remain in charge.
Chelsea’s 71 percent possession statistic sums up perfectly the first half. At the risk of flogging a dead horse, Tottenham weren’t up to the task. The away side completely controlled proceedings from the off, as Spurs sat back with little interest of taking their turn on the ball.
I shudder to think how a partisan Spurs crowd would have reacted to that shocking home display. Jose Mourinho’s side had two attempts at goal in the first 77 minutes of play. This kind of tense, emotionless display cannot be tolerated by Daniel Levy and company.
It is clear Jose Mourinho, like countless times before at different clubs, has lost the locker room. Spurs’ lack of direction, confidence and motivation is palpable, and depressing to watch.
Things got slightly better for Spurs in the second half, but Chelsea still threatened more, and would have gone two up had it not been for a superb low save from Hugo Lloris. Eric Dier was yet again at fault for Chelsea’s opener, impulsively and inexplicably swiping Timo Werner to the ground.
Those type of senseless moments cannot occur against any side in the Premier League, let alone Chelsea. It’s a mistake magnified by Dier’s propensity for an outrageous blunder along with his team’s inability to create anything resembling a threat going forward.
Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura tried their utmost to add a spark, but struggled to buoy to their deflated side. It was the first time Jose Mourinho has ever lost back to back home matches in the Premier League. Based on what we witnessed this evening, that’s a surprising statistic.
Carlos Vinicius, with an 87th minute header, nearly saved Spurs blushes, but agonizingly missed from close range.
It’s hard to find silver linings for Spurs to key on going into their next match, which comes at home on Sunday against relegation favourites West Brom.