After a very topsy-turvy 2014 year that had the lowest of lows at some points with a few select very good moments and a year which did end well, Spurs will be aiming to start 2015 the best way possible as they host Premier League leaders Chelsea. The two sides met at Stamford Bridge just over four weeks ago and the Blues ran out 3-0 winners, but Spurs took away a lot of encouragement from that performance if not the result and the Lilywhites are unbeaten in the Premier League since that defeat. Winning three and drawing two in their last five games. But Mauricio Pochettino knows that if we’re to keep that run going we need to deliver a gutsy, gritty display against the best side in England.
Where will the match be won?
The match will surely be won in the battle of Chelsea’s attack against Tottenham’s defence. Chelsea have the best goalscoring record in the Premier League so far with 41 goals to their name this season. Spurs new-found centre-back partnership of Fazio and Vertonghen have played the last 14 games together, winning ten of those and only losing once. Ben Davies and Kyle Walker’s return to the team have also improved Spurs defensively. Those four will need the game of their lives if they’re to keep out the likes of Fabregas, Hazard and Costa and give Spurs a chance of achieving a result.
Who are the key players?
Christian Eriksen:
Eriksen has produced outstanding displays over the last month, scoring to help Spurs beat Hull, Everton, Swansea and Leicester, in addition, his Man of the Match display against Newcastle helped Spurs reach the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup. After a slow start to the campaign, Eriksen is reaching top form and he will need to be at the peak of his game if he is to compete with Chelsea’s midfield on New Year’s Day.
Federico Fazio:
Since his integration into the first-team, Fazio has shown massive improvement. Fazio arrived this summer with good intentions; hopefully blossoming a solid defensive partnership with whom he was put alongside. However, Fazio’s anomalous beginning to England saw him rotated regularly until the beginning of December, where himself and Jan Vertonghen have formed a steady relationship as the last line of defence. The pair have played together 14 times, winning 10 times, only losing once, against Chelsea. Also, Fazio has an explosive history with Chelsea forward Diego Costa from their time in Spain. Costa was suspended for the December clash but will lead Chelsea’s attack on New Year’s Day.
Cesc Fabregas:
Chelsea have one key man, all too familiar with playing Spurs, Cesc Fabregas. After picking a pass to Eden Hazard for the Belgian to equalise against Southampton on Sunday, the 27-year-old now has 13 assists in the top-flight this season. Not only is that the highest amount in the division, it’s also five more than anyone else. Fabregas has created 61 chances (including assists) this season – seven more than second-placed Stewart Downing and 10 more than Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez. If Spurs are to stand any chance of getting any result from this game, they must get to Fabregas and stop him playing his game.
