Chelsea extended their Premier League unbeaten run to five games as Thomas Tuchel’s team deservedly beat Tottenham.
While Chelsea has undoubtedly found their missing piece in Lukaku, there is no doubt that their ultimate game-changer since the start of the season has been Thomas Tuchel.
The German coach certainly has a squad any manager would love to work with given the fact he has marshaled them since replacing Frank Lampard.
In their away game against Tottenham, Tuchel showcased his supreme coaching ability after managing no shots on target in the first half. For the hosts, it was clear that Nuno Espirito was winning the tactical battle. The Portuguese unveiled an uncharacteristic high-pressing system, unsettling Chelsea’s build-up while creating opportunities for Spurs’ strong attacking unit.
On the other hand, Chelsea was able to lean on brilliant last-ditch defending from center-back trio Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen, and Antonio Rudiger to keep the scores level. But they were undoubtedly on the ropes away from their capital rivals.
Tuchel attempted to fix the problems during the opening 45 minutes when he pulled out Lukaku, Kai Havertz, and Mason Mount over to the touchline for individual chats.
But, after half of screaming at his players from the technical area, he decided a harder reset was needed.
Spurs had dominated the midfield through their powerful holding players. And, it was at this moment Tuchel took the ruthless decision at half-time to withdraw last season’s Player of the Year, Mount, and replace him with N’Golo Kante.
Within seconds, the Blues looked like a different team and it was apparent the club had re-exerted control and possessed three holding midfielders which in turn allowed Tuchel to push his wings back much higher in the pitch.
A superb ball from Silva found Alonso although the Spaniard’s goal-bound volley was tipped over by Hugo Lloris. Regardless, not long enough, Alonso repaid the favor with his brilliant delivery from the corner finding the Brazilian, who rose above Dele Alli to head in the opener.
Twelve minutes into the second half, Tuchel’s side had a firm grip on the game after Kante’s long-range effort took a huge deflection off Eric Dier and went in off the post.
Conclusively, no team has managed more shots on target in a Premier League match this season than Chelsea did against Spurs with all 10 coming in the second half.
Also, since the start of the 2021/22 season, the Blues are unbeaten in six games across all competitions having conceded one goal. That run sees the club sit level on points with Liverpool and Manchester United at the top of the table, unquestionably title challengers and potentially favorites.