Chelsea travelled to Tottenham Hotspur on New Year's Day looking to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Diego Costa sent the visitors ahead after 18 minutes, but goals from Harry Kane, Danny Rose and Andros Townsend (penalty) incredibly gave Spurs a 3-1 lead at the break.
Kane scored his second after 52 minutes to leave the home side 4-1 ahead, but Chelsea responded just past the hour mark through Eden Hazard.
Spurs restored their three-goal lead after 78 minutes, however, when Nacer Chadli found the bottom corner for 5-2.
John Terry made it 5-3 late on, but it was too little too late for the Blues, who have now relinquished first spot in the table.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage on New Year's Day continues from White Hart Lane as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Chelsea. Right, before we get down to the facts and figures ahead of the match, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from London.
TEAMS
SPURS: Lloris; Walker, Fazio, Vertonghen, Rose; Bentaleb, Mason; Chadli, Eriksen, Townsend; Kane
CHELSEA: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa
So there we have it. Kyle Walker, Danny Rose and Nabil Bentaleb all return to the Spurs team this afternoon, while Andros Townsend keeps his spot in attack. As expected, it is again Harry Kane leading the line. Federico Fazio and Jan Vertonghen, meanwhile, continue their partnership in central defence.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, recalls Cesar Azpilicueta, Willian and Oscar to his side. Diego Costa leads the line for the Premier League leaders, while Eden Hazard will continue in a wide role. The likes of Loic Remy, Didier Drogba and Ramires remain on the bench for the visitors.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two teams, Chelsea have won three of the last five matches, with the further two games ending with a share of the spoils. Last season, Chelsea won 4-0 at Stamford Bridge, but were held to a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane towards the end of September 2013.
The two sides have also already met this season and it was Chelsea that emerged 3-0 winners at Stamford Bridge. Spurs actually started on the front foot and had a couple of early chances, but it was Chelsea that took all the points. The Blues will also enter this match as the slight favourites.
That said, Spurs have only lost one of their eight league matches against Chelsea in this stadium. Four of those games have ended in draws, with Spurs winning the other three. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has also failed to collect all the points on his last two trips to White Hart Lane.
As it stands, Spurs sit seventh in the table on 31 points, just two points shy of the top four, which considering their struggles in the early part of the season, is a very impressive achievement. Victory this afternoon would certainly aid suggestions that the capital side can secure a top-four finish this term.
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FULL-TIME PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS: Aston Villa 0-0 Crystal Palace, Hull 2-0 Everton, Liverpool 2-2 Leicester, Man City 3-2 Sunderland, Newcastle 3-3 Burnley, QPR 1-1 Swansea, Southampton 2-0 Arsenal, West Ham 1-1 West Brom
In total, Spurs have won nine of their 19 league games this season, drawing four and losing six. Surprisingly, their form at White Hart Lane has been quite poor, with four defeats from their 10 matches. On the road, meanwhile, they have won five from nine and lost just twice in the process.
The capital outfit are also currently on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions, which has included three wins and a draw in the Premier League and a 4-0 victory over Newcastle United in the quarter-finals of the League Cup. The early-season doom and gloom seems to be passing.
On Boxing Day, Spurs won 2-1 at basement side Leicester, before welcoming Manchester United on December 28. The Red Devils had a number of first-half chances, but could not break the deadlock as the points were shared. This afternoon will be another stern test of the club's credentials.
Scoring goals has been a slight problem for Spurs this season, with just 24 league goals in 19 matches. The lack of a regular scorer has been a problem, but both Eriksen and Kane have been in strong form in recent weeks. Down the other end, Spurs have conceded 24 times in their 19 games.
Here's @hkane28 in the north-west corner going through the usual pre-match routine. #COYS pic.twitter.com/K48Hhxm96K
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 1, 2015
Chelsea, meanwhile, sit top of the table on 46 points – level on points with Manchester City, who won 3-2 at home to Sunderland earlier today. The Blues have won 14 of their 19 league games, drawing four and losing just once, with their singular defeat occurring at Newcastle United.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Chelsea currently have the best defensive record in the league having conceded just 14 times in their 19 matches – keeping nine clean sheets in the process. They have also netted 41 times, with only Manchester City, who have played one game more, scoring a higher number.
Chelsea's home form this season has been stunning - with nine wins from their nine matches, scoring 22 times in the process and conceding just three. In truth, they have been untouchable at the Bridge. At this stage, they are also the only team that has not lost at home in the league.
© Getty Images
It has been a slightly different story on the road, however, with Chelsea winning five of their 10 matches, drawing four times in the process. Granted they have only lost once on their travels, but they have conceded 11 times, which is in stark contrast to their form on their own patch.
In terms of Chelsea's festive results, the Blues were 2-0 winners over West Ham United on Boxing Day, but dropped points at Southampton on December 28. The leaders had chances after Eden Hazard had leveled the scores, but the Saints held firm to take a point from Mourinho's side.
Looking ahead for a moment, Spurs travel to Burnley in the FA Cup on Monday, before facing Crystal Palace in the league on January 10. Chelsea, meanwhile, welcome Watford in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday, before hosting Newcastle United in the Premier League on January 10.
PREDICTION: I would not be surprised to see this match end in a score draw, but I just think that Chelsea will have a little bit too much for the home side. The Blues have the defence to deal with the pressure and certainly boast talent down the other end. My score prediction is 2-1 Chelsea.
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It must be said that there is a brilliant atmosphere inside the stadium - let's hope that the football matches up! It is the away side that get the first 45 minutes of action underway in London.
Chelsea have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with the away side dictating the play from a defensive area. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be crucial. The crowd at White Hart Lane can be a little unforgiving at times!
Costa's first involvement down the left ends with the striker delivering a cross straight into the arms of Lloris. Kane wins a corner for the home side moments later, but the danger is cleared at the near post. Both teams are just attempting to find their feet in the opening four minutes in north London.
Half-chance for the home side inside five minutes as Chadli strikes one from outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the Chelsea stopper. Positive start from the hosts.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last few moments following a couple of late challenges, but no further action is taken. Spurs have a half-chance when Walker delivers a low cross into the box, but Cahill is on hand to clear ahead of the waiting Ryan Mason.
Half-chance for Costa this time as Fabregas finds his teammate with a beautiful pass, but the striker cannot collect and Spurs have a goal-kick. This is warming up very nicely indeed here.
Spurs threaten this time as Eriksen finds some space outside the box before sliding a pass into the path of Mason, but Azpilicueta is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The home side are in control at the moment, with Chelsea just taking there time to settle into the early minutes in north London.
Mason appears to have a problem for the home side here...
... it is a hamstring problem for Mason and that is the end of his afternoon.
Possession football for Chelsea and Spurs play on with 10 men. Chadli breaks into the away side's box following a bright run, but the midfielder just loses control at the final moment.
SUB! Spurs make the expected change as Dembele replaces Mason.
Chadli remains the main outlet for the home side as he drives down the left before rolling a pass towards Townsend, but the midfielder cannot collect. Still no real chances for either side inside 16 minutes, but Spurs have shaded the overall play. Who will strike first in this London derby?
CHANCE! The home side come close to opening the scoring as Chadli connects with a bicycle kick inside the box, but Courtois is on hand to palm clear. Chadli has been very bright thus far.
GOAL! Spurs 0-1 Chelsea (Costa)
Chelsea take the lead with 18 minutes on the clock as Costa turns a low Oscar effort into the bottom corner. In the build-up, Hazard struck the post, but it broke to Oscar, whose low strike was helped in.
Spurs wanted an offside call in the build-up to the goal, but the linesman's flag stayed down. Chelsea are now in control as they retain possession in the final third. Can Spurs respond here?
The home side just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Chelsea continue to boss proceedings in the final third, with Hazard causing all sorts of problems. The visitors have the chance to deliver from a set piece, but Fazio is on hand to clear. Spurs really cannot afford to concede a second here.
Chelsea have a penalty shout as Vertonghen appeals to handle inside the box, but the referee is not interested. It would have been a very harsh decision. Spurs are all over the place at the moment as Costa finds Oscar, but the Brazilian can only roll one wide from just inside the box.
The opening 26 minutes of this contest have just flown past, with Chelsea now in control after Spurs had started the brighter. The counter-attack is on for Chelsea all the time at the moment.
Vertonghen sticks one on Hazard and the Belgian is not happy with the challenge from his international teammate. Hazard has been the star of this match thus far there is no question about that.
GOAL! Spurs 1-1 Chelsea (Kane)
Spurs level with 30 minutes on the clock as Kane drives along the edge of the Chelsea box before firing one into the bottom corner. Stunning effort from the England Under-21 international.
Well, that has changed the atmosphere inside the stadium! Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and we are all level here. It has been a really good match at White Hart Lane.
"Oh when the Spurs go marching in" is erupting around the stadium at the moment, with the home supporters appreciating the response from their side. The goal has stung Chelsea, who have started to concede possession in the final third. It remains 1-1 with 35 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, with Chelsea just tightening up at the back to stop the flow of Spurs pressure. Will we see another goal before the break?
Ivanovic drives into the Spurs box before going down under the challenge of Rose, but the referee says that the defender played the ball. Kane has possession down the other end moments later, but the striker is felled by Matic. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Hazard as the Belgian is first to react to Willian's deflected effort, but the ball was spinning into the air and the attacker can only head wide.
Chadli breaks into the Chelsea box before rolling one under Courtois, but his effort hits the post. It would not have counted, however, with the linesman raising his flag at the final moment.
Chelsea are in possession as we approach the final stages of the first period in London...
GOAL! Spurs 2-1 Chelsea (Rose)
Spurs take the lead in the latter stages of the first period as Rose converts from close range after Chadli had hit the post from just inside the box. This stadium has erupted! Chelsea are behind here.
We are into the first of two additional minutes here.
PENALTY SPURS!
Spurs have a penalty as Cahill fells Kane inside the box. Incredible!
GOAL! Spurs 3-1 Chelsea (Townsend, pen)
What a turnaround here! Spurs lead 3-1 as Townsend rattles his spot-kick into the bottom corner.
Wow, wow. What an end to the half! Chelsea were fairly comfortable at 1-0, but Kane equalised for Spurs after 30 minutes, before goals from Rose and Townsend (penalty) turned the match on its head. The league leaders are heading for their second defeat of the season here. What a half of football!
STATS! Chelsea have just about shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had five attempts, but just one of those has been on target - the goal. Spurs, meanwhile, have also had five attempts, but managed four on target. Can Spurs see this one through in the second 45 minutes?
BENCH WATCH! The home side have already been forced into one change, with Dembele entering in place of Mason early on. However, Spurs still have options in the shape of Roberto Soldado and Paulinho. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, has the likes of Ramires, Didier Drogba, Loic Remy and Mohamed Salah on his bench. Will the Portuguese make a change at the interval?
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Can Chelsea turn this one around? They are up against it! Spurs get the second period underway in London.
SUB! Chelsea have made one change at the break, with Ramires replacing Oscar.
Fast start to the second period, with both sides committing players in the final third of the field. Chelsea threaten down the left as Costa drives past Walker, but the Spurs defender is back to challenge. You just get the feeling that the next goal is absolutely vital in the dynamics of this match.
Spurs threaten with Eriksen as the Dane drives into the Chelsea box, but Cahill is on hand to make the challenge. The play is flowing from end-to-end at the moment, with the visitors obviously keen on scoring as early as possible. I have a feeling that this could be a cracker of a second period.
CHANCE! Hazard comes close to scoring Chelsea's second after meeting a loose ball on the edge of the box, but his effort was always rising high of the crossbar. Still Spurs lead 3-1 here.
GOAL! Spurs 4-1 Chelsea (Kane)
Oh my word. Stunning work from Kane as the Spurs forward turns on the edge of the Chelsea box before curling one into the bottom corner. Wonderful again from the striker, who can do no wrong.
Kane has now scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, which is just incredible. Chelsea have not been able to deal with the striker this evening and there is still a long way to go here.
Kane again goes searching inside the Chelsea box after driving down the left, but Cahill comes across to win the foul. Chelsea have been utterly shocked here and are just not sure how to react. They have been so dominant for long spells of this season, but they are 4-1 behind with 30 to play here.
Hazard remains the main outlet for the away side as the Belgian wins a free kick outside the Spurs box. The set piece is delivered by Fabregas, but Kane is on hand to clear inside his own penalty area.
Fabregas sets one outside the post, but it never comes back and Spurs have a goal kick.
GOAL! Spurs 4-2 Chelsea (Hazard)
Chelsea are back in this as Hazard takes the ball away from Fazio before finding Fabregas, who returns the favour for the Belgian, who flashes one into the bottom corner. Stunning finish.
Now then - Chelsea couldn't, could they? Spurs do not look too strong at the back as the away side break forward once again, but the danger is cleared. Little over 25 minutes to play here.
Chelsea are just taking possession away from Spurs in dangerous areas at the moment, with the home side unable to keep the ball. Spurs just need to settle things down in the middle of the park.
BOOKING! Bentaleb (Spurs) is booked for a late challenge on Willian.
SUB! Spurs make their second change of the match as Paulinho replaces Townsend.
CHANCE! Kane comes close to scoring a third for Spurs after collecting a pass from Rose, but the striker just moves too wide and cannot find the angle. The England Under-21 international can do no wrong at the moment as he continues to threaten in the final third.
Half-chance for the home side as Eriksen curls one from close range, but his effort is blocked. Hazard is down the other end for Chelsea moments later, but Fazio just does enough to clear.
Chadli again has a half-chance for the home side, but his effort is straight into the arms of Courtois. Chelsea are down the other end with Ramires, but Dembele fells the Brazilian in the Spurs half.
BOOKING! Paulinho (Spurs) is booked for a high challenge on Azpilicueta.
SUB! Chelsea make their second change as Salah replaces Willian.
Spurs just cannot get out at the moment as Chelsea continue to press in the final third, but the score remains 4-2 Spurs with little over 15 minutes remaining. Surely the home side will not throw it away? It has been known and that is why there is such tension inside the stadium at this stage!
SAVE! Chelsea come close to scoring a third as Azpilicueta curls one towards the bottom corner following a wonderful piece of play, but Lloris is on hand to make a stunning save.
SUB! Spurs make their third change as Rose is replaced by Davies.
GOAL! Spurs 5-2 Chelsea (Chadli)
That should be game over! Spurs have their fifth as Chadli collects a pass from Kane before placing one into the bottom corner. Again, it is poor defending from Chelsea. Surely that is enough to win it.
Well, 2014 was pretty boring football-wise wasn't it? 2015 is much better!
BOOKING! Fabregas (Chelsea). Chelsea just need to be a little careful here as Fabregas leaves one on Vertonghen, but the centre-back is straight up and makes nothing of the challenge.
Half-chance for Chelsea as Fabregas meets a cross from the right, but his header is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Little over five minutes of this Premier League fixture remaining.
CHANCE! Ramires comes close to scoring a third for Chelsea after breaking into the box, but his low effort just moves wide of the post. It remains 5-2 to Spurs with 84 minutes played.
CHANCE! This time Hazard sets up Salah inside the Spurs box, but the midfielder cannot make proper contact and Lloris is on hand to collect. Spurs continue to give away chances here.
GOAL! Spurs 5-3 Chelsea (Terry)
Terry hands Chelsea hope as the centre-back converts a Hazard cross at the far post!
Half-chance for Costa as the Spanish international finds space in a wide area, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Spurs are just about faltering over the line here.
We are into the first of five additional minutes here. Spurs still lead 5-3...
POST! Fabregas hits the post with a cross, but it goes behind and Spurs have a goal kick. The home side are almost there, but the pressure is still arriving from the Blues.
Spurs have a corner and time is fast running out here. Spurs are surely safe now.
Hazard fires one wide of the post and that should be just about that.
FULL-TIME: Spurs 5-3 Chelsea
Incredible. The referee brings the London derby to an end, with Spurs running out 5-3 winners. The home side have moved into fifth spot in the table, while Chelsea have relinquished first spot to Manchester City. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
