Tottenham: Spurs keys to topping Chelsea in Premier League clash

Tottenham must make Mendy work and test Chelsea’s backs

Thus far this season Chelsea has only conceded a penalty kick in five matches in all competitions, however, they can be scored upon. The key to doing this starts with getting as many shots as possible.

Edouard Mendy is an excellent shot-blocker, with reflexes as quick as any keeper in the world. However, like Spurs, Pierluigi Gollini Mendy does have a tendency to give up rebounds. As more of a reflex-based shot-stopper, there is little Mendy does not get a hand on. However, many of those hands turn the ball into rebounds and as Spurs learned in France, a rebound can be deadly.

Tottenham needs to first, take some chances and really crank a few efforts toward the Chelsea goal and make Mendy work. Then secondly, Spurs need to be alert and ready to pounce because if they can manage to take a few shots and get them on frame I can guarantee there will be some rebounding opportunities.

The second offensive key is working to test the Chelsea backs in space. Chelsea is most likely going to be in a back three with Antonio Rudiger and Trevoh Chalobah on either side of Andreas Christensen. Chalobah is 22 and is very new to the Premier League, while Rudiger has been on the left, while preferring the right, to accommodate Chalobah.

Attacking these two players would be easier if Tottenham were at full strength,, regardless, they need to make both Chalobah and Rudiger work defensively. Balls toward the corners and the big diagonals forcing the two defenders to push wide can create some space for Spurs to work.

If Tottenham is successful in isolating and attacking the defenders, then the outside midfielders will have to push back and will leave fewer players in the Chelsea attack.

Despite likely being without Eric Dier or Japhet Tanganga, Tottenham still has the defenders to get physical and take Chelsea out of their game. Likewise, while Son, Berwgijn, and Lucas Moura would be the best options, both Bryan Gil and Dane Scarlett could make the Chelsea defence work and create the space Spurs need to succeed.

Bryan did find some space against Rennes and Scarlett has always shown himself a willing runner. The margins are thin but they do exist if Tottenham can play their cards just right.