Tottenham defiant, Tottenham victorious against Chelsea

A victory for the first time in 5 years against arch-rivals Chelsea wasn’t just sweet for Tottenham Hotspur; it was defiant.

Like Graham Potter’s tenure at Chelsea, I will keep this short and sweet. Tottenham Hotspur showed integrity, defiance, skill, and hunger all at once for the first time in what feels like a long time.

Spurs have had some impressive victories this season, but this one ranks straight towards the top when it comes to following a game plan and controlling a football game.

Chelsea has been woeful away from home all season, and despite throwing nearly £700 million at their issues, they’ve created more for themselves.

Romero, Royal, and Tottenham defending all over the pitch

Cuti Romero was astonishingly composed in a game of feist. No silly bookings, no shouts for a straight red. Instead, crunching and successful tackles. Good movement on and off the ball, along with sleek passing. In the 86th minute, he welcomed Mudryk to the game with a strong tackle that he only managed to make as he barged teammate Emerson Royal out of the way to get to his opponent. He wanted to let the Ukrainian winger know that this was his pitch in his house.

Oliver Skipp was relentless with his tackling, winning almost every single one. Not to mention scoring his first senior goal for Tottenham. One hell of a strike slamming into the bottom of the bar and bouncing beyond the line. A performance that Skipp has always been capable of, but one that comes after injuries and time on the bench. Another fantastic display for Skipp following on from Tottenham’s 2-0 win over London rivals West Ham.

Harry Kane was dropping an all-round masterclass game for Tottenham Hotspur. His goal, which came from an Eric Dier flick-on from a corner, was reminiscent of a goal he once scored at the back post against Arsenal at the old White Hart Lane. His ability to be everywhere, to beat players almost effortlessly, and his passing range. Harry Kane is no doubt captain fantastic for Tottenham.

Fraser Forster didn’t have too much to do. Thankfully, one of the most expensive sides in world football doesn’t do goals. But, when Forster was called upon, he saved a good effort from Raheem Sterling. He also threw himself at the ball with composure, particularly when Kai Havertz looked to have been through on goal.

Richarlison may not have scored, but he fought for the shirt. To go off almost sulking and upset with himself today in the 88th minute shows all of us Tottenham fans that this man is hungry for success for himself and Tottenham.

Special mentions, of course, go to every player in a Lilywhite shirt today. Ben Davies, Clement Lenglet, Eric Dier, Pierre Hojbjerg. All winning multiple duels and holding their positions impeccably.

Tottenham deserves to celebrate a win of this nature. One with so few mistakes and with so much integrity shown. Onto Sheffield United in the FA Cup on Wednesday night, where we can only hope and pray that this display from Tottenham isn’t a one-off against a hated rival.