The boss decided that he would stick with a back-three, utilizing Azpilicueta, Rudiger and Christensen.
Despite inferring he wouldn`t be using David Luiz in midfield, at his pre-match press conference ahead of the game, Conte did just that, using the Brazilian in a defensive role in front of the back-four. But although David Luiz played that role perfectly, it was the way in which he intelligently come out of that role to create the winning goal that made the tactic spot-on.
On the flanks, Conte used his two reliable wing-backs, Moses and Alonso and with Kante and Bakayoko also shielding the back-four, Tottenham Hotspur were faced with an impenetrable wall, a barrier they couldn`t break down.
The tactics may not have left Chelsea with many attacking option, with Willian at the head of midfield and Morata foraging alone up front, but Chelsea still managed to carve out some chances.
Dominating early on, Morata missed a golden opportunity to snatch an early lead whilst Willian drilled an angled drive against the foot of the post.
Okay, Chelsea only had two shots on target, but they had a one hundred per cent conversion rate with Alonso producing two finishes that were both top-drawer, especially the free-kick in the first half.
The sight of Conte going absolutely ballistic when Alonso`s second strike guaranteed the three points, was a joy to witness, as was the sight of the Tottenham Hotspur support vacating their new home in their droves before the final whistle.
The performance was definitely a horses for courses one, next Sunday Conte will, against Everton, play a different system, Morata won`t be left so isolated and David Luiz will return to the heart of the defence, but yesterday was superb and Conte is to be congratulated for doing something many pundits predicted wouldn`t happen, namely beat Tottenham Hotspur.
Thank you for reading, God bless you!
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