A ferocious London derby headlines today’s Premier League action as Chelsea and Tottenham renew their rivalry under the lights at Stamford Bridge. Both teams are building some momentum after stuttering starts to the season, though the Blues will have to cope with the shock absence of Joao Pedro through injury as Geovany Quenda makes his first start for the club along with Mike Penders.
Xabi Alonso has overseen back-to-back wins for the first time in the Premier League to take Chelsea into the top four, and the hosts have lost just once in their last 16 home meetings with Spurs. Another win today would make it a record-breaking seventh in a row against their north London foes. To say the Bridge has been an unhappy hunting ground for Tottenham is an understatement, though James Maddison is fit to start as Dominic Solanke drops to the bench.
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Chelsea's set-piece frustration
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
Standard Sport’s Arthur Ferridge at Stamford Bridge
Tottenham fans ask 'what the f*****g hell' that was, after Chelsea attempt a cheeky free-kick routine which does not come off.
Set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee then loudly remonstrates in the technical area after a flubbed Chelsea corner.
Chelsea’s bench are being supplied with towels, which you wouldn't expect to do an awful lot in the face of such persistent rain.
Brief injury scare for Marmoush
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
22 mins: A brief injury scare for Tottenham as Marmoush goes down hurt after a challenge from behind by Colwill.
However, the Manchester City loanee - who also picked up a knock against Coventry on Monday night - quickly shakes it off and is back on his feet.
He looks fine to continue.
'Tottenham will be happy with their start'
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
Standard Sport’s Sam Tabuteau at Stamford Bridge
Tottenham will be relatively happy with the way they have started.
There has been no fast start from Chelsea and Spurs have made inroads in attack.
A scrappy game at the moment.
Kudus curls just wide as Tottenham grow into game
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
20 mins: Spurs go close now as Tel does well inside the Chelsea box, though his floated ball to the back post has too much on it for Kudus.
However, the Ghana forward regathers possession quickly and bends an effort agonisingly wide with Penders beaten.
Maddison looking to provide Tottenham threat
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
17 mins: Maddison battles away in the Chelsea box but his initial touch kills the momentum and the grateful Blues wind up with a goal kick.
Kinsky denies Palmer as Chelsea ramp up pressure
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
15 mins: Kinsky makes a fine diving save to deny Palmer, who was set up by a clever touch from Rogers inside the box after Neto had dispossessed Fernandes in the corner.
Van Hecke is then crucially alert to clear a dangerous low delivery into the Spurs six-yard box.
Alonso giving Penders advice in the wet
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
11 mins: Good work from Robertson to prevent a Chelsea corner after Tel is beaten too easily again by Quenda.
Penders has just been called over to the touchline to receive some advice from Alonso.
Unusual. I wonder what that was about? Perhaps some words of wisdom on how best to deal with these conditions.
Quenda busy on first Premier League start
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
Standard Sport’s Arthur Ferridge at Stamford Bridge
Quenda is seeing a lot of the ball in the early stages, but he is taking his time to establish himself.
There was one bright moment when he looked to breeze past Jan Paul van Hecke with a heavy touch, but Kinsky got to it first.
Early Kinsky error opens door for Palmer
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
6 mins: A poor pass from Kinsky has Spurs in bother as Palmer comes charging into that right channel and delivers a dangerous cross that falls safe.
Stamford Bridge rocking in the rain on derby day
Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham
Standard Sport’s Arthur Ferridge at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge is rocking. Spirited chants of 'we hate Tottenham' during the Liquidator, followed by a full-throated 'Blue is the Colour'.
The driving rain is only adding to the derby atmosphere. Should be a fun couple of hours, this.