While Chelsea and Spurs completed 425 and 387 passes, at a percentage completion rate of 81% to 76% respectively, the difference comes in the long balls.

Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea in the Premier League today as they look to maintain their strong start to the season.

By the time Rodrigo Bentancur and Kevin Danso were replaced for Richarlison and the returning captain Cristian Romero on the hour mark, Tottenham had created a measly 0.01 expected goals.

Tottenham Hotspur hoped Thomas Frank would bring structure and bite to their game against Chelsea, a fixture that has inflicted chaos and heartbreak in recent years. That 4-1 collapse in 2023 and the wild 4-3 turnaround last season still echo around north London.

It’s a reflection of how tight the Premier League that Chelsea, despite starting the day six places behind Spurs, will move above them if they win.