Tottenham took a big step towards qualifying for next season’s Champions League with a 3-1 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today.
Chelsea took the lead through Alvaro Morata but a sensational long-range strike from Christian Eriksen levelled things up just before half-time.
After the break, Spurs took the lead through Dele Alli, who superbly controlled a delivery from Eric Dier and slotted it past the Chelsea goalkeeper, Willy Caballero. After a couple of minutes, the midfielder scored again, reacting swiftly to a loose ball after a jostle in the box.
The win saw Spurs register their first victory at Stamford Bridge since 1990. That wasn’t the only delight for Spurs fans, as Harry Kane also made a speedy return to fitness.
After the 3-1 win, here is what manager Mauricio Pochettino said about the game.
“I think a fantastic victory for us. A big three points. We are in the race for the top four. I think the team showed great character and quality and in the end we deserved the victory,” Pochettino told in his post-match presser, as quoted by Football.London.
Alli’s quickfire brace after the break turned the game on its head and Pochettino was quick to praise the midfielder.
“I’m very, very pleased. It’s been a tough period for him, but for no doubt about his talent, his character. I’m so happy for him because he deserved it and he worked hard.
“In the end, he’s a great talent, only 21-years-old, and sometimes we lose the focus on that. He’s only 21. Sometimes the expectation is too much. Too much pressure,” our manager added.
“I didn’t see the celebration. He has a big personality and we believe in him.”
On Kane’s swift return from injury, Pochettino said:
“We’ll see. To play 20 minutes or 30 minutes, I think he was ready. Of course we’ll never take a risk with any player. We’ll see now during the week. He’s working hard and maybe he has the possibility to play against Stoke if he’s in the squad.”
When asked about ending the 28-year drought at Stamford Bridge in such an emphatic fashion, our gaffer explained:
“Yes, of course. I am so happy, we are so happy for our fans after 28 years. Winning here at Stamford Bridge again is a massive thing again, for our fans and for Tottenham. But it’s only a game and still only three points. No more than that.”
“There’s still a long way to the end. We have to be focused and try to prepare the next game – it will be so tough against Stoke – and now focus and try to work hard. I think we have still not achieved anything, and sure it will be difficult to be in the top four. We have to fight. Our mentality it to be ready in every single game.”
It wasn’t just a massive win but Spurs finally broke the 28-year Stamford Bridge hoodoo. I am sure the victory over Chelsea would galvanise us as there is still a lot to play for this season.
