Chelsea FC: 5 Takeaways from the Tottenham Game

The Chelsea vs. Tottenham match certainly lived up to the rough and tumble reputation of London derbies. Crunching tackles, end-to-end play and even a little dose of controversy made for enthralling viewing. After Daniel Sturridge's goal wiped out Tottenham's early lead, the two squads engaged in rip-roaring, lung-busting action with chances generated and chances missed at both ends of the field. At game's end, the 1-1 final score doesn't do justice for what a white-knuckled ride the game was.

Yet, for all of the excitement, Chelsea remain in fourth place in the Premier League race and still far adrift of table-topping Manchester City.

Heading into the teeth of the league's busy holiday schedule, what did we learn from Chelsea's performance? Let's take a look. 

1. Chelsea Remain in the Thick of the Title Race

Some pundits felt that unless Chelsea beat Spurs, all hopes of the Premier League trophy heading back to Stamford Bridge were over. Yes, the 1-1 draw leaves the Blues 11 points behind league leaders Manchester City. Yes, Manchester City have only dropped seven possible points to date this season.

But on the evidence of Chelsea's performance, the London club have the overall quality, resiliency and attacking prowess needed to make up the points difference. It's not a stretch to say that Chelsea proved the better team against Spurs, considering the Blues generated 22 shots vs. Spurs' 16. And if a team can go into White Hart Lane and outplay the hosts, there's no reason to write them off so early in the season. After all, there are still 63 points left for the taking.

2. Moving Forward, Oriel Romeu Must Start Every Match

When I saw the starting lineups, I let out an audible groan at the sight of Jon Obi Mikel's name. The decision to drop Oriel Romeu in favor of the hot-and-cold Nigerian seemed puzzling, especially given the former's outstanding performances of late.

As it turns out, Mikel didn't play half-bad, but an injury forced him out shortly before halftime.

Enter Romeu.

In the second half, the young Spaniard's performance was nothing short of excellent. His dogged hustling and assured tackling squeezed the kind of space the talented Luka Modric thrives upon, and thus, prevented Tottehman from generating any sort of offensive momentum.

But it's Romeu's ability to move the ball up to the midfield line and start attacks that makes him a more valuable midfielder than Mikel. Whereas the latter looks to pass immediately after gaining possession of the ball, Romeu is comfortable dribbling to the midfield line, allowing Chelsea's attack to take up possession deep within opposition territory.

From now on, absent injury issues, there's no excuse for Mikel starting in place of Romeu. The Spaniard has earned his position in the first team and should keep it for some time.

3. John Terry Is Indispensible

It's been a tough week for John Terry. The specter of criminal charges looms large after accusations he racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. But despite the off-field distractions, Terry delivered an immaculate performance against Spurs.

The highlight of the night came at the game's very end, when Tottenham forward Emmanuel Adebayor slotted past Chelsea keeper Petr Cech. Terry came sliding in, his body deflecting the ball behind goal for a corner kick rather than the certain winner Adebayor would have snatched.

In fact, this kind of hustle defined Terry's performance all night, as he repeatedly hurled his body across the field to block shots and crosses.The Chelsea captain also did well to organize a makeshift defense after fellow center back Branislav Ivanovic limped off with an injury.

Terry's epic display makes the thought of losing him to a suspension all the more worrisome for Blues fans. Without doubt, the Chelsea brass will look to secure another center back during the January transfer window in the event Terry is suspended for a lengthy duration.

4. Lampard's Absence from the First Team Is Justified

Once again, Frank Lampard took a spot on the substitute's bench for a big match. In fact, he never figured in the game, as injuries and tactical considerations forced Andre Villas-Boas to send different men into the match.

In a full throttle derby match, Lampard is a liability. At 33, he doesn't have the running power he did six or seven years ago. That's a problem when faced with a youthful, energetic and speedy Spurs team.

In addition, Lampard tends to defend selectively. In his heyday, this never really mattered; Chelsea dominated so many matches with their stifling defense that he was only needed when the ball entered the opposition's half. Plus, Lampard had the incomparable Claude Makelele and hard-charging Michael Essien covering his back.

But Chelsea is no longer the side of old. Makelele is long gone, and Essien is ravaged by injuries. The team needs its midfield back defending, and as such, Ramires and Raul Meireles are better suited to fulfill those orders.

Lampard still has life left in him, as his seven league goals suggest. But in high-intensity, blood-and-thunder games like this, he's best left on the bench.

Chelsea Need Cover at Center Back

When Branislav Ivanovic left the match with an apparent hamstring injury, Andre Villas Boas moved his starting right-back, Jose Bosingwa, to center back and sent on Paulo Ferreira in to replace Boswinga at the right back position. The makeshift defense did surprisingly well, but it's no long-term solution.

Chelsea currently have three center backs to choose from: Terry, Ivanovic and David Luiz. Terry may face a lengthy suspension at some point this season if the FA finds him guilty of racial abuse. Ivanovic has impressed more at right back than at center back. Finally, Luiz's inconsistent, foul-prone performances at the position are well known to the club's fans.

With Alex effectively exiled from the club, Chelsea need to use the January transfer window to secure another center back. Otherwise, expect more makeshift defenses should further injuries and suspensions emerge.