FRANK LAMPARD and Chelsea humbled Jose Mourinho again thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud and Marcos Alonso.
On the ground where Lampard and Mourinho enjoyed such happy times together, the former Chelsea boss was serenaded with chants of “You’re not special anymore” from the home fans.
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the first half with a brilliant half volleyCredit: AFP or licensors
Marcos Alonso put Chelsea 2-0 up just after half-time with a fine strike from 20 yardsCredit: Rex Features
Antonio Rudiger’s late own goal gave Spurs hope they did not deserve but the Blues held on to move four points clear of their London rivals in fourth place.
Chelsea could have won by more after dominating the game against a Spurs side that should have finished with 10 men after Giovani Lo Celso’s hideous foul on Cesar Azpilicueta.
Somehow VAR David Coote failed to decree that Lo Celso should have been sent off early in the second half but by then Chelsea were already two ahead.
Mourinho dropped Dele Alli to the bench after his midweek tantrum but the visitors were even more disappointing than they had been against RB Leipzig.
But Lampard’s decision to recall ex-Arsenal man Giroud for a game against the Gunners’ North London rivals paid off in spades.
The Frenchman’s initial shot was saved by Hugo Lloris and Ross Barkley hit the post with his follow-up. But Giroud, who was a target for Spurs in the January transfer window, lashed the ball home at the near post.
Tottenham were second best all over the pitch and fell further behind when Alonso rounded off a lovely move with a 20-yard shot just after the break.
Blues striker Giroud celebrates after scoring his first Premier League goal of the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Left wing-back Alonso has become used to scoring in London derbiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso somehow escaped a red card for this apparent stamp on Cesar AzpilicuetaCredit: BT Sport
Soon afterwards Lampard and the Chelsea bench could not believe it when Lo Celso escaped even a booking for a stomach-churning foul on Azpilicueta.
Substitute Tammy Abraham had the chance to make it three and Alonso hit the bar with a free kick before Lamela’s attempted pass struck Rudiger and wrongfooted Willy Caballero.
You could feel the nerves around Stamford Bridge. When referee Michael Oliver called to an end four minutes of stoppage time, the roar was of relief as much as triumph.
Antonio Rudiger netted an own goal late on, but Spurs couldn’t nick a drawCredit: Reuters
Frank Lampard has now beaten his former manager in all three games he has faced against himCredit: AFP or licensors
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
