N’GOLO KANTE rolled back the years with a sensational display as Chelsea drew 2-2 with rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues went into the game looking to lay down a marker, having had to listen to pundits galore questioning their ability to challenge for honours this season.
But they came up just painfully short, conceding a dramatic stoppage time equaliser against their fierce rivals.
Chelsea went into the break leading 1-0 through Kalidou Koulibaly, although a lack of killer instinct saw them fail to extend their lead.
Jorginho’s slack turnover in his own box gifted Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg the chance to level with a low drive from outside the box on 68 minutes.
After good work from Kante and Raheem Sterling, Reece James was able to restore Chelsea’s lead just nine minutes later.
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But Spurs made the Blues pay for their profligacy right at the death, with Harry Kane heading home a last-gasp equaliser.
SunSport’s Etienne Fermie rates each Blues performer on a fiery afternoon in West London.
EDOUARD MENDY – 5
Chelsea’s stopper had little to do against their London rivals.
The Senegalese ace had little chance with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s equaliser, or Kane’s late leveller.
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REECE JAMES – 8
Booked for an extremely cynical foul on a surging Son Heung-min. Was given a huge let off as Kane shot wide on 61 minutes, having played him onside when Koulibaly and Silva stepped up – but also showed moments of great promise at right centre-back.
Calmly slotted past Lloris to restore Chelsea’s lead on 77 minutes after being teed up by Sterling.
THIAGO SILVA – 6
A typically unruffled performance from the Brazilian for the majority of the game, in spite of the match’s fiery atmosphere.
In a back-three, there are few better in the world than the 37-year-old – although he’ll be disappointed he couldn’t get closer to Kane for the Tottenham’s striker’s equaliser.
KALIDOU KOULIBALY – 7
Introduced himself to his new home crowd in perfect fashion by thumping home a brilliant volley while unmarked at a corner on 19 minutes.
Delighted fans with huge tackles, big blocks and even a stepover or two – but couldn’t prevent Kane’s stoppage time leveller.
RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – 6
Fluffed his lines by missing the ball entirely when Jorginho swung in a superb in-swinging cross on the stroke of half time.
The makeshift right wing-back looked okay deployed on the flank, but Chelsea won’t want this to be a long-term solution.
N’GOLO KANTE – 9
Rolled back the years with an utterly sensational display before going off injured, epitomised by his role in Chelsea’s second goal.
The Frenchman won the ball in Tottenham’s half before finding Sterling, with the England ace teeing up James to score. The Blues crumbled without him in stoppage time.
JORGINHO – 6
Ran the show alongside Kante in the first-half but let himself down badly with his role in Spurs’ equaliser.
The Italian tried to be cute in his own box, but his flick was intercepted, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scoring moments later.
MARC CUCURELLA – 7
Excellent corner found Koulibaly for Chelsea’s opener.
Offered the Blues a nice outlet down the left flank… Ben Chilwell could struggle to earn his place back.
MASON MOUNT – 6
Produced a typical Mason Mount display in the first-half, full of energy, creativity and quality.
The homegrown ace was part of a fluid front three, but was unable to help his side extend their lead, which proved to be costly late on.
KAI HAVERTZ – 5
Wasted a golden 18th minute opportunity, being denied one on one by a Hugo Lloris save.
Produced his usual silky touches that draw gasps from the Stamford Bridge crowd… but rarely looked like scoring – most notably missing a sitter from close range with 15 minutes left.
RAHEEM STERLING – 7
Buzzed around Chelsea’s front three, brilliantly battling with Cristian Romero and Emerson Royal.
Wasted a golden opportunity on the hour mark, shooting over Lloris’ goal – but atoned with a smart assist for James.
SUBSTITUTES
Cesar Azpilicueta (for Jorginho, 73) – 5
Spaniard’s introduction allowed James to get further forward.
Conor Gallagher (for Kante, 84) – 6
Teed up fellow academy graduate Mount who could only shoot wide.
Christian Pulisic (for Sterling, 84) – 5
Unable to make an impact on the match in his brief cameo.
Armando Broja (for Havertz, 89) – N/A
Not enough time to make an impression.
Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Chilwell, Chalobah, Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
