From Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - A dominant second-half display gave Chelsea a fine 3-0 victory in the London derby at Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.
There was a cacophonous atmosphere before kick off and throughout, with all four corners of the ground coming together for a minute's applause to celebrate the life of former Tottenham, Chelsea and England legend, Jimmy Greaves, who passed away in the early hours of the morning.
A cut-and-thrust first half flew by, with the best chances coming the hosts' way. Sergio Reguilon declined to shoot when through on goal on his preferred left foot before Son Heung-min saw his poked effort smothered by Kepa Arrizabalaga after being slipped in by Harry Kane.
Chelsea came closest to opening the scoring though, with Andreas Christensen showing surprisingly quick feet before curling a shot just over the upright.
The game swung after the break following the introduction of N'Golo Kante for Mason Mount at half-time.
In a breathless start to the second period, Marcos Alonso saw an excellent volley on the stretch tipped over by Hugo Lloris. He then turned provider with a wonderful out-swinging corner for Thiago Silva to head low into the net to open the scoring on 49 minutes.
Alonso was the protagonist again minutes later, this time seeing his shot brilliantly blocked on the line by Cristian Romero. It was soon two, though, as Giovani Lo Celso relinquished possession in a dangerous area and was punished as Kante's long-range effort was deflected in off Eric Dier and the post.
Silva drew an excellent save from Lloris with another bullet header, and the Frenchman was sharp again as substitute Timo Werner was slipped in - saving to spark pinball in the penalty area, including an important fingertip on a cross back in.
Chelsea created and dominated through to the final whistle. Romelu Lukaku saw his only real chance saved as he got a header on goal and Mateo Kovacic had an effort blocked at the near post.
Antonio Rudiger rounded off the scoring and a dominant victory, firing home low past Lloris after Chelsea recycled a corner well and Werner provided a neat pull-back.
Here's how both sets of players rated...
TOTTENHAM PLAYER RATINGS
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Hugo Lloris (GK) - 8/10 - Good save to tip Alonso's flying volley over. No chance for either goal. Brilliantly denied a second Thiago header, and excelled again as Werner was played in. Another good late save from Kovacic.
Emerson Royal (RB) - 6/10 - Denied Mount with a brilliant last-ditch block. Neat and tidy, but eventually overwhelmed by Werner and Alonso.
Cristian Romero (CB) - 6/10 - Run ragged by Havertz in the opening seconds, but recovered and looked very solid in the first 45. Less convincing in the second half as Chelsea scored and threatened from set pieces, while Werner caused him issues too.
Eric Dier (CB) - 6/10 - Solid in the first half against Romelu Lukaku. Unfortunate to see Kante's shot deflect in off his stray leg. Can't be excused for Tottenham's set-piece struggles, though.
Sergio Reguilon (LB) - 5/10 - Inexplicably crossed when in on goal on his favoured foot. Very loose in possession at times. So, so weak for the most part.
2. Midfielders
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (DM) - 7/10 - Three important early interventions. Seemed to win every 50/50 in the first period. Eventually overrun in the second half.
Giovani Lo Celso (CM) - 5/10 - Need and tidy but doesn't affect play enough. Gave it away in the build-up to Chelsea's second and suddenly looked miles off the pace. Hooked.
Tanguy Ndombele (CM) - 7/10 - Looked in the mood; flick, trick, five-yard pass, repeat - but also mucked in defensively. Subbed with Spurs suddenly 2-0 down in the second half.
Dele Alli (AM) - 6/10 - Some neat touches and link-up play, but struggled to create or influence proceedings after a bright start. Barely saw the ball after the break.
3. Forwards
Harry Kane (ST) - 5/10 - Sent an early free kick crashing into the wall. A frustrating afternoon for the most part. Never really got into the game and drifted further and further towards the periphery as things progressed
Son Heung-min (ST) - 6/10 - Deemed fit and looked dangerous from the off. Slipped through but couldn't beat Kepa. Faded in the second half.
4. Substitutes
Oliver Skipp (CM) - 6/10 - Failed to change the game.
Bryan Gil (RW) - 7/10 - Looked dangerous but didn't see much of the ball in truth.
CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS
5. Goalkeeper & defenders
Kepa Arrizabalaga (CB) - 7/10 - In for the injured Mendy. Almost failed his first test, spilling Kane's cross. Did well to smother as Son was played in. Saved well from Kane after the break.
Andreas Christensen (CB) - 7/10 - Lucky to escape a yellow for clattering Dele Alli. Wonderful footwork on the edge of Spurs' box before going close. Solid thereafter.
Thiago Silva (CB) - 9/10 - Several important interceptions and clearances early doors. Brilliant headed opener minutes into the second half. Saw a second thumping header tipped over. Absolutely dominant at the back.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - 8/10 - Typically marauding. Solid at both ends and capped a fine game with a striker's finish.
6. Wing-backs & midfielders
Cesar Azpilicueta (RWB) - 7/10 - Solid defensively as usual and contributed in the final third too. His versatility is invaluable.
Jorginho (CM) - 7/10 - The metronome has a8 knack for engineering space for a pass even in a tight spot. Cool-headed throughout.
Mateo Kovacic (CM) - 7/10 - Busy as ever. Perhaps on the losing side of the midfield battle in the first period but gained more control with Kante alongside him. Got the assist for Kante.
Marcos Alonso (LWB) - 8/10 - Roundly booed. Saw a fantastic volley on the stretch tipped over at the start of the second half. Wonderful corner for Silva to head home shortly after and so unlucky to see a shot cleared off the line. Loves playing Spurs.
7. Forwards
Mason Mount (RF) - 5/10 - Saw a weak shot blocked after a poor pass to Lukaku. Hooked at half-time as Chelsea changed their shape.
Romelu Lukaku (ST) - 7/10 - Some nice work in the channels. Picked Werner out once and should have done so again in the latter stages. Saw his best chance saved fairly comfortably.
Kai Havertz (LF) - 6/10 - Looked dangerous early on, almost getting in behind Romero and combining well with Mount and Lukaku. Slashed a decent volleyed chance wide. Saw another shot blocked before missing another before - ball seemed to just hit him. Subbed.
8. Substitutes
N'Golo Kante (CM) - 8/10 - The man is a phenomenon. Changed the dynamic of the game after coming on, dominating the midfield and scoring a second from distance.
Timo Werner (ST) - 7/10 - Introduced to play alongside Lukaku for the first time. Looked good alongside Lukaku and picked up some good positions, but the pass lacked. Booked. Another assist.
Source : 90min