Chelsea and Tottenham played out the game of the Premier League season so far as tempers flared on the touchline
Are you not entertained?!
The first Battle of the Bridge between Chelsea and Tottenham was over six years ago now, but these two teams still do not like one another, and that was clear again on Sunday.
Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte almost came to blows on the touchline as their teams played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in west London.
Kalidou Koulibaly gave Chelsea the lead with a stunning first-half volley, but Spurs fought back after the break and equalised through Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
That sparked the first touchline row, and Tuchel was soon tearing off down the touchline to rub it in Conte's face when Reece James gave Chelsea the lead again.
But Spurs had the final say as Harry Kane headed in a stoppage-time equaliser, before more arguments at full-time left to both managers being red-carded.
So, who were the biggest winners and losers, and how did the Chelsea players rate? We've had our say…
Getty ImagesThe Winners
Kalidou Koulibaly:
Pick that one out! After years of speculation Kalidou Koulibaly is finally a Premier League footballer, and this was some way to announce himself. The ex-Napoli defender's stunning volley left Hugo Lloris rooted to the spot and sent Stamford Bridge into raptures as it arrowed into the top corner midway through the first half. Koulibaly was assured in possession thereafter in what was his second impressive performance in a row to start the campaign.
Fans of the Barclays:
'One regular day of Barclays. That's all I ask for. Will never happen.' Antonio Conte is the star of one of the Premier League's most famous memes, and he was at the heart of some absolutely unadulterated Barclays as he literally went toe-to-toe with Thomas Tuchel. Both managers were red carded after full-time amid some scenes that we absolutely love to see, as it put the cherry on the cake of what was the best game of the season so far.
Todd Boehly:
On a day where the Chelsea fans celebrated their new owner with a tifo display ahead of kick-off, Boehly must have been thrilled to see two of the signings he bankrolled combine for Chelsea's opening goal, with Koulibaly volleying in Marc Cucurella's corner. The Stamford Bridge faithful certainly seem to have taken the LA Dodgers owner in as one of their own, and more results like this will only help fuel that sentiment.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers
Jorginho:
Jorginho had a pretty good game for the first three-quarters of the match, but was he thinking in the build-up to Tottenham's equaliser?! The midfielder tried to be too clever when attempting a cheeky clearance, and Spurs capitalised through Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Jorginho was immediately substituted by Thomas Tuchel.
Kai Havertz:
On a weekend where Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner both scored upon their returns to their former clubs and talks of a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang intensified, Havertz could have done with a goal to show that he can be the man to lead the line for the Blues going forward. And though his all-round game was excellent, the Germany forward missed an absolute sitter in the second half that will lead for more calls for Todd Boehly to bring in a new central striker in the final weeks of the transfer window.
N'Golo Kante:
Kante has had no luck with injuries over the past few seasons, and the sight of him limping off with six minutes to go in this one was not one anybody with links to Chelsea wanted to see. If the problem is a serious one, then expect the Blues' to accelerate their efforts to beat Manchester United to sign Frenkie de Jong.
Getty ImagesChelsea Ratings: Defence
Edouard Mendy (6/10):
A spectator for much of the game, and had no chance with either goal.
Reece James (9/10):
Superb at both centre-back and wing-back, and did not deserve to be the man who diverted Kane's header in at the back post in stoppage time.
Thiago Silva (7/10):
Assured as ever as he kept Kane relatively quiet until the final seconds.
Kalidou Koulibaly (8/10):
Superb volley gave Chelsea the lead and was excellent when in possession.
Getty ImagesMidfield
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (8/10):
A constant threat down the right-hand side as he drifted inside from wing-back to pose problems to the Spurs defence.
N'Golo Kante (8/10):
Looked back to his best with a characteristically energetic display while showing quality on the ball. Late injury a concern.
Jorginho (5/10):
Decent for the most part, only to spoil it with a poor clearance that led to Tottenham's goal.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
A solid full debut which included an assist for Koulibaly's opener.
