Statistical Preview: Chelsea vs Tottenham

Chelsea pulled four points clear at the top of the Premier League last weekend after convincingly beating Fulham 3-1. José Mourinho’s men are now unbeaten in 12 league matches stretching back to their defeat at Stoke in December.  Despite a poor first half performance at Craven Cottage, the Blues found themselves 3 goals up with just over 20 minutes to go.

The Blues broke the deadlock after 52 minutes when Andre Schurrle combined with the in-form Eden Hazard to slot past Maarten Stekelenburg.  It took the German just 16 minutes to complete his hattrick combining again with Hazard before being set up by fellow forward Fernando Torres in the 68^th minute. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the German made 13 attacking contributions (shots on target, passes, crosses and dribbles) and had a shot accuracy of 60%. 

Eden Hazard once again played an important role in Chelsea’s victory.  Assisting Schurrle in his first goal with a clever pass over the top of Dan Burn before combining with the German again by playing him into the box for a simple chance on goal.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Hazard made 35 attacking contributions (passes, dribbles, crosses and shots on target) against Fulham; contributing to his season total of 990; the 5^th highest in the Premier League. 

Chelsea fans will be confident of the abilities of César Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill to cope with Tottenham’s attacking threats. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the defenders made 13 defensive contributions (Blocks, interceptions, tackles won and clearances) against Fulham with Azpilicueta winning 77.8% if his tackles. 

In the face of Adebayor’s fine recent form, John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic’s role will be crucial to Chelsea’s hopes of beating their London rivals. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the pair have made 253 and 231 defensive contributions this season respectively; more than any other of Mourinho’s men.

Tottenham will be looking forward to their trip to Stamford Bridge following their victory against Cardiff, which closed the gap on fourth place Manchester City to just 4 points. Roberto Soldado, scoring his first goal in 9 games, kept the dream of Champions League football alive for Tim Sherwood’s men who needed to show a positive response following their disappointing defeat at the hands of Norwich.

Spurs fans will be hoping that the end of Soldado’s 9 game goal drought will mean the Spaniard can now create a formidable partnership with in form Emanuel Adebayor, who assisted Soldado in his winner against Cardiff. Adebayor has rewarded Tim Sherwood’s faith with 8 goals this season; the highest at the club this season.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Togolese International has a shot accuracy rating this season of 70%.

Kyle Naughton was the biggest attacking threat for Spurs against Cardiff.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made 61 attacking contributions (passes, shots on target, crosses and dribbles) of which 59 were passes completed in the opposition’s half.

Tim Sherwood should feel confident in the ability of his defense to cope with the threat posed by in form Eden Hazard this weekend.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that defender and Younes Kaboul has won 83.3% of his tackles whilst midfielder Mousa Dembélé has an even more impressive 91.2% tackle accuracy.  With 336 defensive contributions so far this season, Tottenham players and fans alike will be sure to look to captain Michael Dawson to provide a bedrock in defence.