Chelsea remain top of the Premier League after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in a thrilling London derby at Stamford Bridge. Christian Eriksen's blistering long-range strike gave Spurs a deserved early lead, but the Blues fought back and Pedro levelled just before half-time with a wonder goal of similar quality.
Chelsea upped the ante after the break and the man of the moment Victor Moses won the game with a show-stopping goal of his own. In doing so, Moses consigned Spurs to their first top-flight loss of the season while extending the Blues winning sequence to seven.
Positives
After six Premier League games without conceding a goal, going behind early against a visibly motivated Spurs side was a test of Chelsea's resolve, but the Blues battled back grittily, turned the game around and closed it out.
Negatives
Given Antonio Conte's understandable persistence with the same personnel and system that had served him so well for the previous six league games, there was always the danger that an opposing team might suss Chelsea out. Spurs did that for 20 minutes and Conte will have concerns about the way the Blues lost their shape early on.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Conte stuck to his guns with both his system and lineup and stubbornness eventually won the day. The manager has fostered an indomitable team spirit in the Chelsea camp and shrewd use of substitutes helps to maintain the positive tempo and mood he demands, which continues to pay dividends.
Player ratings (1-10, 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Thibaut Courtois, 7 -- Cannot be blamed for conceding Eriksen's goal and otherwise commanded his penalty area well during Spurs' early period of dominance. Created some nervy moments when passing out with feet -- an underweighted ball could have spelt disaster on several occasions.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 7 -- Stuck rigidly to his assigned task of defending Harry Kane and was there when needed to block the Spurs striker's path to goal. Chelsea's Mr. Versatile is now looking every inch an accomplished centre-back and an integral part of Conte's defensive template.
DF David Luiz, 7 -- Remained focussed early on as Spurs played a high line and for a while got the better of Conte's system. Has formed a solid understanding with Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill in particular and put in another mature display.
DF Gary Cahill, 8 -- Played a captain's role and was confident throughout, marshalling the Blues with composed authority. Looks set for a long run as skipper.
MF Victor Moses, 9 -- His currency continues to rise in the right-wing-back role for Chelsea. Caused problems for Spurs every time he took the ball forward and was equally determined in the tackle. Maintained the Blues winning streak by rifling home Diego Costa's cutback following a scintillating run to find himself in the right place at the right time to take full advantage.
MF Marcos Alonso, 7 -- Another measured performance from the Spaniard, who was unfazed by the early developments in the game. Solid in defence and linked up well with teammates when going forward.
MF Nemanja Matic, 6 -- Struggled to contain Eriksen and Dele Alli in the early phase of the game, but eventually wrestled back control of midfield and looked more comfortable in the second half.
MF N'Golo Kante, 7 -- Failed to impose himself at the outset, allowing Spurs to take the initiative. Grew in stature once Chelsea regrouped after Eriksen's goal and was a model of composure in the second period.
FW Pedro, 8 -- Has looked increasingly like scoring a goal of the highest order as Chelsea have climbed to the Premier League summit and finally managed to do so at a critical point in the game with Spurs. Like Moses, Pedro is revelling in Conte's 3-4-3 system.
FW Eden Hazard, 7 -- It's not often that he plays second fiddle to the creative players around him at Chelsea, but the Belgium international will not be too concerned given the final score. Faded after a lively start to the second period and was replaced by Willian in the 77th minute.
FW Diego Costa, 8 -- His buccaneering run to the line and cutback for Moses to score typified his never-say-die attitude. Always chasing, harrying and playing the game in the right spirit, Costa is arguably playing the best football of his career right now under Conte.
Substitutes
FW Willian, N/R -- Replaced Hazard and added fresh impetus to Chelsea's attack.
DF Branislav Ivanovic, N/R -- Still capable of making Chelsea supporters bite their nails nervously when introduced to the field of play, he did a good job of adding steel to the Blues back line when replacing Moses late on.
MF Oscar, N/R -- Replaced Pedro and put in a combative 10 minute cameo to help Chelsea close the game out.