No club knows how to implode quite like Chelsea. This particular detonation will live very long in the club’s collective memory and force a period of soul-searching.
The visit of Tottenham to Stamford Bridge always promises drama, but the Blues are usually the ones to come out on top in this matchup. They had done so in 11 of the last 13 meetings. Spurs had not won in SW6 since 2018, and only once in 36 years.
The law of probabilities dictated that it would be Tottenham’s turn to celebrate sooner or later, and they pushed all the right buttons to tip Chelsea over the edge here.
They had plenty to work with. After securing a 3-1 defeat of Coventry last time out, their first win of the season, Spurs were prepared to kick on against a Chelsea side which is clearly still figuring itself out under Xabi Alonso.
Implosion: Chelsea’s problems with ill-discipline returned as Cole Palmer was sent off against Tottenham
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Chelsea appeared to have turned a corner last time out as they cruised past a tricky Everton side and put in a professional performance en route to a 2-0 win.
This defeat, though, represents one step forward and two steps back, if not three or four, and it was all the product of 10 mad minutes.
Mike Penders was always going to take centre stage as he filled the place of the injured Emi Martinez, making his full Premier League debut.
Throughout the build-up to this match, there was plenty of discussion as to his similarities to the great Thibaut Courtois, his countryman.
His debut started on shaky but not dreadful footing as he struggled to establish himself in the box, and it was his lack of aerial prowess which was his undoing. He misjudged a punch over the head of Jan Paul van Hecke, and inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Moments later, Cole Palmer was dismissed, sent for an early bath for a stamp on Conor Gallagher. Shortly thereafter, Mathys Tel, who until then was goalless this season, slotted home from range to double Spurs’ advantage.
In the blink of an eye, it all unravelled for Chelsea. The turbulent early days of Alonso’s Chelsea tenure have taken another turn.
It is familiar thorns continuing to poke Chelsea. The club has not employed an elite goalkeeper since Courtois forced his exit in 2018.
To collapse in a big match is all too familiar a story for Chelsea
Robert Sanchez was not the answer, and the early evidence suggests that Martinez is not either. The young Penders cannot be written off after this, only his second start in Chelsea colours, but ultimately it was an error between the sticks which undid them here.
Chelsea’s mentality has often been criticised in recent years. After a fairly even first hour, heads went down and structure crumbled as soon as they conceded. Palmer made a rash late tackle and was dismissed.
Alonso, once again, must go back to the drawing board as things get no easier this week. In fact, they get a damn sight more difficult, with a trip to Anfield in the Carabao Cup last 16 to come.
While he is fortunate, in a sense, to have a chance to bounce back so soon, he will likely face that fixture without Joao Pedro, who missed this match with a surprise injury and was sorely missed.
His project, as it has been touted, is still in its early days, but Alonso must build consistency if he is to succeed with Chelsea. Injuries cannot be helped, but the decision to deploy another debutant in Geovany Quenda into such a bitter derby clash must be questioned, particularly with the experienced Danny Welbeck on the bench along with fan favourite Estevao.
To collapse in a big match is all too familiar a story for Chelsea. It will be the making of Alonso if he is able to iron out that seemingly endemic kink, and Anfield is as unforgiving a proving ground as they come.