Player Ratings: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Chelsea | Premier League

Chelsea slumped to a shocking 2-0 Premier League loss to Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Graham Potter’s poorly performing Blues reached a new low, with a defeat to their London rivals in spite of never having lost at the Lilywhites’ new ground representing a team having hit rock bottom and still managing to dig deeper.

Chances were few and far between in the first period, with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s deflected effort beating Kepa Arrizabalaga but not the woodwork in the closest effort of the half. A melee on the stroke of half-time led to Hakim Ziyech being given his marching orders for lashing out at a dirty elbow in the back from Emerson Royal, but a VAR review saw the Moroccon marched back on to the field.

READ MORE: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Chelsea | Match Report

The interval was really welcome respite for both sides, with tensions boiling over and the game becoming a very stop-start affair that was of little entertainment value save for spectators into their combat sports.

But after the break it took all of twenty five seconds for the hosts to draw first blood, with Oliver Skipp unleashing a stinging drive that Arrizabalaga could only palm onto the underside of the crossbar. Harry Kane would then pop up at the back stick to guide home a corner in the 82nd minute.

How much worse can it get for the Pensioners? We shall see when they host Leeds United at Stamford Bridge next Saturday. In the meantime, here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the players’ performance in yet another dismal defeat.

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Kepa Arrizabalaga – 4/10

Old habits die hard, and the Spaniard should have got a stronger hand to Oliver Skipp’s effort given it was right at him. Not exactly given much to do otherwise.

Reece James – 6/10

Dropped into a deeper role after Thiago Silva left the field to reinforce the defence. In that respect, the decision was a success. But Chelsea were basically a non-entity on the right flank thereafter. While his opposite number enjoyed a lot of freedom on the other flank, James was constrained. Given the armband for his troubles,

Thiago Silva – N/A (18)

Withdrawn through injury early after a collision with Harry Kane. Fans will be hoping their defensive glue will return in time for a crucial Champions League second leg.

Kalidou Koulibaly – 6/10

Raised an eyebrow with his selection but he was far from the problem on the afternoon. On the contrary, he fulfilled his duties adequately even without the dance partner he sorely depends upon usually for most of the duration. If only he had blocked the Oliver Skipp attempt, although he did try what he could.

Ben Chilwell – 5/10

One of very few positives on a painful afternoon was that the Englishman looks like he is finding his pace again, both of the game and in his speed. Left Kane unmarked for the final nail in the coffin, a pretty fatal error.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 5/10 (62)

Not awful, which is the best compliment that can be afforded. Demonstrated a greater sense of urgency than usual, constantly looking for the ball to break the lines even if not always successful. Limited effectivity otherwise.

Enzo Fernandez – 4/10

A major factor in the Spurs goal. The clearance was poor, the decision to clear even more so when it was within Kepa’s clutches. Exuded quality early on but struggled with his runners in midfield and his passing fell off the edge of a cliff as the game wore on. Not great.

Hakim Ziyech – 3/10 (62)

Lost his head just before the break – not without reason, given the hounding he was getting from multiple Spurs players. Where was that energy and passion in the rest of the performance? Languid with little ideas, a complete passenger and there wouldn’t have been much difference had the red card that he received stood. Just a warm body making up the numbers.

Joao Felix – 4/10 (83)

Guilty of dwelling on the ball too long and bullied by an aggressive Tottenham press. Afforded little protection from the referee, but also needs to acclimate to this not being the Spanish game. Little eye for the final ball too. His worst performance in a Chelsea shirt.

Raheem Sterling – 5/10 (83)

Looked the sharpish tool in the shed at the tip of Chelsea’s attack, although that isn’t saying much. Proactive in trying to take on his man and fashion some chances, but none of his colleagues were on the same wavelength nor of the same attitude.

Kai Havertz – 3/10

Complete non-entity in the final analysis. No supply, no spark, bit of a run-out. Seems like he’s stuck in the mud with cement in his boots when the ball does break through, probably because it’s such a novelty in this team. Not a great deal else to ruminate upon.

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Bench

Wesley Fofana – 6/10 (18)

Not easy to be parachuted into a derby clash because of unexpected circumstances. In the event, he deputised for Thiago Silva well. Front-footed defending that kept Harry Kane quiet in the main.

Mason Mount – 5/10 (62)

At least looked like he took the embarrassment to heart, putting in a shift. Couple of nice ideas didn’t quite come off. Manhandled by Eric Dier for Spurs’ second and thus shoulders some of the blame.

Denis Zakaria – 5/10 (62)

Essentially abandoned defensive duties in an attempt to get further forward, and it did allow the hosts more joy in the holes.

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – N/A (83)

Mykhailo Mudryk – N/A (83)