I had thought this was going to be a far harder match than some quarters had. Chelsea were bound to be far more up for this match if for no other reason than last season. The moment I saw their team I was worried.
I wonder whether, having seen Vertonghen not only take care of Giroud but also rile him, Mourinho might have dropped Costa regardless. Possibly not but the argument they've had helped them in their selection.
It was, without doubt, our most uncomfortable performance in some time. Dier looked jadded at times, and gave up possession a little too lazily at times but he wasn't alone. Son, in the first half, was quite poor. Four times he gave the ball away within 25 yards of the goal.
Rose and Walker continue to give me nightmares. It is true that both have improved but they are also guaranteed to, at least once but often more, cause all kinds of problems for ourselves. Walker was massively fortunate not to give the ball away twice when playing the ball square, both times utterly unnecessarily. Rose gives away needless free kicks by not standing his ground.
The best defenders know when to put a foot in and when to hold, neither Walker nor Rose have quite grasped this yet.
Our centre half combination and keeper are the best in the league. I don't think that is arguable.
Kane, Eriksen and Dembele really do please me. They have that thing which can't be taught (easily) and that is an understanding of where the other will be at any given time.
I'm not disappointed by a point, it would have been brilliant to have won but whilst we remain unbeaten, and hugely difficult to overcome, we will continue to push for a top four spot, and possibly more.
I wonder whether, having seen Vertonghen not only take care of Giroud but also rile him, Mourinho might have dropped Costa regardless. Possibly not but the argument they've had helped them in their selection.
It was, without doubt, our most uncomfortable performance in some time. Dier looked jadded at times, and gave up possession a little too lazily at times but he wasn't alone. Son, in the first half, was quite poor. Four times he gave the ball away within 25 yards of the goal.
Rose and Walker continue to give me nightmares. It is true that both have improved but they are also guaranteed to, at least once but often more, cause all kinds of problems for ourselves. Walker was massively fortunate not to give the ball away twice when playing the ball square, both times utterly unnecessarily. Rose gives away needless free kicks by not standing his ground.
The best defenders know when to put a foot in and when to hold, neither Walker nor Rose have quite grasped this yet.
Our centre half combination and keeper are the best in the league. I don't think that is arguable.
Kane, Eriksen and Dembele really do please me. They have that thing which can't be taught (easily) and that is an understanding of where the other will be at any given time.
I'm not disappointed by a point, it would have been brilliant to have won but whilst we remain unbeaten, and hugely difficult to overcome, we will continue to push for a top four spot, and possibly more.
