CHELSEA took a huge step towards Champions League qualification with a sensational win over rivals Tottenham.
The Blues were excellent as goals by Olivier Giroud and Marcos Alonso gave them all three points at Stamford Bridge.
Olivier Giroud and Mason Mount were sensational as Chelsea beat SpursCredit: Getty
An Antonio Rudiger own goal late on made it a nervy finish, but Frank Lampard’s side held on to go four points clear in the top four race.
There were a number of standout performances for Chelsea, and SunSport gives you the lowdown after the 2-1 win.
Willy Caballero – 7
Made two fantastic saves in the first-half, getting down well early to Lucas Moura’s fierce shot.
He also did well to tip over Sanchez’s looping header. Dealt with corners and anything near him.
Distribution was solid as well. Kepa is going to have a real tough fight on his hands to get back in the side.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Another steady performance from the captain. Kept it simple and defended well throughout.
He’s always a seven or eight of ten man and is such a key member of that Blues defence.
Made a few brilliant blocks to keep Spurs at bay. He was class.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Was very unlucky for the own goal at the end after a decent display.
Didn’t have much to do because of Spurs lack of a striker, but was strong.
He’s another top performer and rarely has a bad game. Kept Moura out.
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring for Chelsea.
Andreas Christensen – 6
Despite having to wear a mask following a broken nose, he was very good.
Read the play and swept up the loose balls. Didn’t have much to do apart from that.
Chelsea will need him to keep this form up to continue their Champions League charge.
Reece James – 7
The Blues academy product is going to be a part of this team for another decade.
He’s young, athletic and was up and down the right-hand side all day.
Not only did he play well going forward, but was a lot better in defence.
Marcos Alonso – 8
One of the best players on the pitch. Excellent going forward and at the back.
Scored a brilliant goal with a smashing finish to win the game for Chelsea in the second-half.
Could have had a hat-trick after hitting the bar with a free-kick and narrowly missing with a volley.
Marcos Alonso put Chelsea 2-0 up just after half-time with a fine strike from 20 yardsCredit: Rex Features
Mateo Kovacic – 7
The Croatian was very tidy in midfield. He picked up the ball and kept it moving.
Worked very hard and is having a solid few weeks after a great performance against Manchester United on Monday.
There was a lot of question marks over him, but he’s proving the doubters wrong game-by-game.
Jorginho – 6
Keeps the midfield ticking over and moving from front to back.
He was clever as well. Making niggling, little fouls, which frustrated Spurs.
A class act and a key part of this Chelsea team and their pursuit of Europe.
Ross Barkley – 7
Deserved the plaudits after a brilliant performance after being recalled to the starting eleven.
He almost scored with an incredible swirling effort late-on and worked and pressed.
Gareth Southgate will be delighted and he’s sure to be in the England squad on that form.
Antonio Rudiger netted an own goal late on, but Spurs couldn’t nick a drawCredit: Reuters
Mason Mount – 9
Absolutely sensational, his high press was behind everything Chelsea did well going forward.
He ran himself into the ground, never giving the Spurs defenders a moments rest.
Was also classy with the ball, passed well and was the man of the match. Excellent.
Olivier Giroud – 8
Started only his third Premier League game of the season and justified his selection.
Scored with a powerful effort in the first-half, and kept the Spurs defence busy all game.
Had a couple of other chances but ran his heart out.
SUBS
WILLIAN – 6
ABRAHAM 6
Frank Lampard says he lost sleep after Chelsea loss against Man Utd but insists he is thriving on pressure ahead of Tottenham
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
