Chelsea 0 v Tottenham Hotspur 0, played Sunday 29 November 2020 at an empty Stamford Bridge.
Predictions that a goal-less draw was unlikely were way out as Chelsea and TottenhamHotspur played out a defensive 0-0 draw, with only 3 shots on target by the Blues and 1 by Spurs. Nevertheless either team could have snatched a last gasp winner with chances to the home side’s Olivier Giroud and the visitors Giovanni Lo Celso. Defences took all the records.
It may have been the 1000th match of Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea ownership with one of his most successful Head Coaches back in town, but for Spurs’ newly acquired Welsh International centre-back Joe Rodon (anyone remember Mike England?) it was a full match debut. He rarely put a foot, or head, wrong except for that late chance offered to Giroud. At the other end the experience and skill of Thiago Silva mastered Harry Kane’s movement and power. This was Spurs’ goalkeeper Hugo Lloris’ 96th clean sheet, but Spurs last against Chelsea was the 0-0 draw in March 2012 at Stamford Bridge. Thankfully it was not another “Battle of Stamford Bridge” although the home side committed 20 fouls and had 4 Yellow cards to the visitors 9 and 2 respectively.
This weekend sees another Premier London derbies (PLDs) match for Tottenham Hotspurwho are at home to their north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday 6 December. Always fiercely contested previous seasons’ results have been: 2-0 in season 2016-17; 1-0 in 2017-18; 1-1 in 2018-19; and 2-1 in 2019-20 played after the restart. Spurs will be keen on another win to stay top of the F.A. Premier league (FAPL) and be 10 FAPL matches undefeated after losing their first one against Everton. Arsenal must come out of their doldrums soon. Betting……but the form book has been easily overturned this season so far.
Until next time, keep safe, remember “Hands, Face, Space”, Andrew at PLDs.