Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Chelsea FC (Dec 22 2019)
Before the game, pundits argued fiercely over who would win. Master or apprentice.
In this battle of legends, would it be Frank Lampard or Jose Mourinho? Could Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer outsmart the man who helped them win three Premier League titles?
At the final whistle it would be a famous away day for the Blues in their first trip to Spurs' new luxury stadium, taking home all three points in another UNMISSABLE game, as heard LIVE on the 5th Stand app.
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Jose Mourinho and Frank Lampard clash in the Premier League. Credit: premierleague.com
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First Half
It was the first time Frank Lampard had faced a former manager as a coach in his own right, and from the start Chelsea showed more urgency, settling quickest and pressing high, determined to show character and personality.
And it didn't take long for their dominance to pay off. Brazilian international Willian cut inside the Spurs defender Serge Aurier and let fly from 12 yards out. His shot flew past the unsighted Gazzaniga and landed the opening blow in this heavyweight London derby.
They were better than us in the first half. It's not difficult for me to admit it - Jose Mourinho
At the other end, both Harry Kane and Son missed chances to draw Spurs level, putting over the bar from tight angles, and it looked like Jose's men were still in it but deep into added time, Gazzaniga clattered into the advancing Marcos Alonso, who was sent on a run thanks to a clever pass from the quick-thinking Willian.
Initially given as a free-kick to Spurs, VAR intervention overturned the decision and instead awarded a penalty to Chelsea, which Willian slotted home after a stuttering run.
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Willian celebrates his winning goal against ten-man Tottenham. Credit: premierleague.com
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Second Half
VAR had another part to play, this time on the hour mark. Son Heung-min was adjudged to have kicked out at Antonio Rudiger and was sent off for violent conduct, leaving Mourinho fuming and his Spurs side down to ten men.
In truth, with Chelsea leading and Tottenham missing their influential playmaker, it was hard to see other outcome.
Before the final whistle a clinical Willian pass put Michy Batshuayi through on goal, but Chelsea's second-choice striker couldn't find the target and his effort flew wide of the post.
Before the final whistle a clinical Willian pass put Michy Batshuayi through on goal, but Chelsea's second-choice striker couldn't find the target and his effort flew wide of the post.
The fans have come here having watched us lose a few games... And we showed fight today - Frank Lampard
The win for Chelsea ensured Frank Lampard would go into the festive period with a win, and gave Jose Mourinho much to think about over Christmas, as he no doubt began to ponder an emotional return to the ground he loved to call home.
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Willian calmly slots home his second goal of the game. Credit: premierleague.com
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The Stats
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Chelsea created almost three times more shots on goal. Credit: espn.com
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What now?
With just 12 games left of the Premier League season, Chelsea's grip on a Champions League place is slipping following a poor 0-2 home defeat against Manchester United.
But Spurs, who squeezed past Aston Villa away 2-3, are now just one point behind the Blues and occupy that crucial fifth spot in the race for European football next season.
Chelsea and Spurs are missing their first-choice strikers through injury, while Tottenham have confirmed Son will miss "a number of weeks" after suffering a fracture to his right arm. Read the full statement here.
Questions are also being asked of goalkeepers at both ends, so it looks like we're set for a blockbuster battle at the Bridge this weekend.
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All eyes will be on Stamford Bridge for the return fixture. Credit: premierleague.com
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Matchday LIVE!
Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, February 22nd (12:30 GMT) .
Don't miss a second of the action. You can listen to full, uninterrupted Premier League commentary on our official app, with build-up from 11:30 GMT.
Download The 5th Stand app for free and join in the conversation.
Follow the Blues on Twitter @chelseafc
Watch unseen extra footage of Chelsea's 0-2 victory over Spurs:
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