[Player Ratings] Tottenham 1-1 Chelsea: Terry Header Saves Point But Spurs Go Top

Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday lunchtime. Here, Blues fan Joe Carroll gives his ratings for the game.

Tottenham went top of the Premier League in a fiesty 1-1 draw with Chelsea in which Fernando Torres saw red.

Jose Mourinho’s men trailed at White Hart Lane to a Gylfi Sigurdsson goal inside 20 minutes and were lucky to only be a goal behind by half-time as Spurs were the brighter in a frenzied opening half. Chelsea came back stronger in the second half though and pulled level through captain John Terry who headed home from a Juan Mata free-kick. The Spaniard was only introduced in the second half and will have staked his claim for a regular starting birth with a classy display.

Predictably the game was littered with yellow cards and Chelsea’s Torres was shown a red-card following a second yellow in the final 8 minutes. It followed an aerial challenge with Spurs’ Jan Vertonghen but the Spaniard will feel himself hard done by for what looked an innocuous challenge.

The game drew much attention before kick-off as the ‘Master vs the Apprentice’; Mourinho clashing with his former coach and now Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas for the first time. The latter will likely be the happier of the two after the draw in north London as Mourinho’s away form continues to suffer.

Player Ratings

Chelsea

Cech- 6- was his consistent self and his ability to come and catch aerial balls reassured his defence.

Cole- 7- looked to have met his match against Andros Townsend (who had a great game) but the experienced full back handled him superbly

Luiz- 6- fairly quiet on all accounts but looked much more disciplined than in his last Premier League away outing at Goodison Park!

Terry- 9- a terrific and mature display from Chelsea’s skipper. Marshalled his defence brilliantly against a Spurs attack full of pace and invention. Also did well to find space to head home his side’s equaliser.

Ivanovic- 7- the Serb was threatening from set-pieces and had a solid game defensively.

Mikel- 5- not the Nigerian’s best performance. Chelsea looked over-run in the first half at times in midfield and Mikel’s holding qualities were sacrificed for Mata’s invention when the Blues needed a goal.

Lampard- 5- Mourinho’s main man was always likely to be entrusted with the responsibility of taking the game to Spurs in this derby. Sadly the veteran was a passenger for long periods and was often over-run and out-muscled by the likes of Moussa Dembele and Paulinho.

Ramires- 6- was the better of Chelsea’s midfielders. Full of running and energy but didn’t influence the game.

Hazard- 6- another quiet game from the Belgian. Looked to suffer an injury in the first half so maybe this had an effect on his performance. Went close with a deflected effort in the first half.

Oscar- 6- so often Chelsea’s shining star this season, the Brazilian had one of his quieter days at the office. Showed superb technique in the first half with a 20-yard volley that Hugo Lloris saved comfortably.

Torres- 7- the Spaniard takes much criticism when he plays badly (which is all too often) but he deserves credit here for a positive display. Heavily involved in Chelsea’s forays forward, setting up both Andre Schurrle and Oscar. Despite the disappointment of being (harshly) sent off, the Spaniard deserves his rating after an influential performance.

Subs

Mata- 7- a very good performance after replacing Mikel at half time. Provided the assist for Terry’s goal with a wicked free-kick.

Schurrle- 6- a positive showing from the German, coming on with 20 minutes to play. Might have done better when played through on goal.

Azpilicueta- 6- a late substitute to help shore up the defence after Torres’ dismissal. Helped the team see the game out.

Man of the Match- John Terry- Chelsea’s skipper led by example on a tricky afternoon at White Hart Lane. Chelsea haven’t been excelling so far in this campaign so it was vital that the Blues captain stood up and made himself counted. Solid defensively and grabbed the equaliser.

What was your view of this heated London derby? Considering Spurs’ excellent form, do you see it as a point gained or two points dropped in the title race? Was Torres the hero or the villain? Did you think his sending-off was harsh? Please leave your comments below…