Tottenham vs. Chelsea: Score and Reaction from 2015 Premier League Match
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea played out a 0-0 goalless draw at White Hart Lane, as the Blues parked the bus to stop the hosts in the Premier League on Sunday.
The English champions opted for a defensive approach to stifle the Lilywhites, and the move worked wonders for Chelsea.
The big team news came from the Chelsea camp as manager Jose Mourinho dropped Diego Costa to the bench. The Blues coach opted for a fluid front four with no recognised striker, and that allowed his side to strangle the game.
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Spurs were without burgeoning midfielder Dele Alli, who was suspended, and the hosts missed the prodigy as they struggled to hurt their opponents.
Mourinho looked glum in front of the cameras shortly before kick-off, as the club's official social media account shared:
The home crowd were vocal and optimistic in the opening moments of the match, as Spurs dominated possession of the ball.
Chelsea sat in a tight formation as they looked to spoil the hosts' best work, and they hit on the break with rapid counter-attacks.
Harry Kane went closest for Spurs in the first half, nearly latching onto a Danny Rose cross, but he was denied by Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and his retreating defence.
Spurs' official Twitter account shared the vital moment:
Chelsea appeared more disciplined than they have in recent weeks, and they were content to let the hosts have the ball in midfield.
Mourinho's men found a foothold in the game midway through the first half as they harboured ambitions of springing on the counter.
Journalist Duncan Castles highlighted the Special One's tactics:
However, Tottenham began to turn the screw as half-time approached, and Kane continued to give Chelsea problems.
Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele was in his element, and he showed glimpses of his best form as his team remained on the front foot.
Football writer Greg Lea was impressed with the former Fulham player's contribution:
Bleacher Report Tottenham writer Thomas Cooper also lauded Kane and Dembele, as Spurs ended the half as the more dangerous side:
The visitors did not seem unduly concerned despite Kane's growing influence, and Mourinho would have been happy with his team's work rate through the opening 45 minutes.
WhoScored.com shared the vital stats from the first half, including player ratings for both teams:
Journalist Greg Stobart said he thought Spurs appeared below their best from the past few weeks, saying they needed to find a better performance after the break:
The second half began as the first ended, with Spurs pushing to be the aggressor. However, Chelsea were more intent on playing positive football than they were before half-time, with Eden Hazard darting into the centre-forward role whenever possible.
The Belgian's general work was much better than in recent weeks, and he was a clear threat as the likes of Willian and Oscar battled for quality possession.
Opta highlighted Hazard's contribution in the opening 45 minutes:
Hazard almost gave Chelsea the lead soon after the hour mark, but his left-footed snapshot volley was brilliantly saved by Lloris, who pushed the effort away for a corner.
Spurs maintained the lion's share of possession through the half, but the Chelsea defence were comfortable as the hosts' movement evaporated in attack.
Ryan Mason departed on a stretcher after severely twisted his ankle, and he was replaced by Erik Lamela.
The game hit a stalemate as the second half laboured to its conclusion, and talkSPORT's Andy Goldstein criticised Mourinho's approach to the game:
Spurs began to flag as the final minutes ticked away, and Chelsea looked more than content with a point as the referee blew the whistle to end the game.
It was a more assured performance from Chelsea that was met by a Spurs team who did not hit the heights of recent weeks.
The Blues suffocated the home team's attacking work, and Spurs couldn't find the final pass to penetrate a solid defence.
Chelsea will be delighted to take the point in what could have been a difficult match for the beleaguered champions, but Spurs didn't have the firepower to break them down.
Post-Match Reaction
Mourinho was satisfied with his side's application at the Lane and feels 14th-placed Chelsea will push forward from here, per the club's official Twitter account:
Tottenham next feature in the Premier League on Saturday, Dec. 5, when they travel to West Bromwich Albion. Chelsea host Bournemouth on the same day as they look to continue their climb up the table.
