Tottenham dismantle themselves as Chelsea bags a win at Stamford

Pedro’s strike and Kieran Trippier’s embarrassing own goal gave Chelsea a 2-0 victory over rivals Tottenham in the Premier League on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge.

The eagerly-anticipated team news saw Kepa Arrizabalaga dropped to the bench for Willy Caballero after the Spaniard’s show of dissent in the Carabao Cup final defeat at Wembley on Sunday, while on the pitch both sides hit the woodwork in a goalless first half through Gonzalo Higuain and Harry Winks.

Chelsea took the lead through Pedro, who cut in from the right and squeezed an effort through Hugo Lloris’ legs from an angle (57), before Trippier’s backpass caught the Spurs goalkeeper rushing out, only to see the ball roll into the net (85).

Spurs failed to register a shot on target for the first time under Mauricio Pochettino in the Premier League, and the result further dents their slim title hopes, leaving them nine points off leaders Liverpool. Chelsea remain sixth, three points off fourth-placed Arsenal, but with a game in hand.

Chelsea upped the pace after the break and got a deserved opener through man-of-the-match Pedro, beating Ben Davies and Toby Alderweireld on the right flank, cutting onto his left and finding the net through the legs of Lloris from 10 yards.

Kane was then found by Davies in a fine position, eight yards out, but couldn’t get his feet right, miscuing wide of goal as Spurs struggled to muster up any clear second-half chances.

Their misery was compounded with six minutes remaining as Trippier put too much on a simple backpass for Lloris, catching the goalkeeper unaware as they watched the ball roll agonisingly into the net.

Chelsea now go to Fulham on Super Sunday, while Spurs host Arsenal at Wembley on Saturday at 12.30pm.

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