It would be a bit of a stretch to look at Sunday's London derby between Spurs and Chelsea as a season defining match this early in the season, but games between the top six can very be telling at the end of the season. Chelsea as champions need to respond after being caught cold by Burnley last time out.
Chelsea looked anything but the league champions they were last season in their 3-2 defeat at the Bridgenot to mention the two red cards received on opening day means the Blues will be without key personnel against a potential title rival. The Manchester clubs, United in particular, sent warning shots to the rest of league with good wins against West Ham and Brighton. Sunday's derby is a chance for Chelsea to stamp their authority on the league and show that they aren't slipping.
The lead up to the new season has somewhat destabilized the Blues. Starting the season without Eden Hazard, the want away Diego Costa and letting Nemanja Matic go to Man united left Chelsea in an awkward position. While things may not look so good for the champions, but there are some positives for Chelsea to look forward when they take on Spurs.
Alvaro Morata came on as a sub to score a debut goal, while also setting up David Luiz for the second. Whatever doubts there were about the Spanish forward were put to rest early as he showed some of the intangibles required to thrive in the Premier League and he looks a likely starter for the Spurs game.
With Fabregas having been sent off against Burnley, summer signing Tiemoue Bakayoko could make his Premier League debut alongside Ngolo Kante solidifying the Chelsea midfield against the onslaught of the Spurs midfield.
Chelsea can also be boosted by the news that star man Eden Hazard could be on the bench for the game. Essentially Spurs are at “Home” with the Lane being given a face lift, but Chelsea have enjoyed good fortunes at Wembley in recent seasons just last season the Blues beat Spurs 4-2 on their way to the FA Cup final. Spurs have had mixed fortunes at the iconic stadium only winning one of the five games they hosted at the stadium last season.
All in all the London derby will provide a stern test for Chelsea's resolve and could be the boost that they need to kickstart their season as it catches them at the right time as the mark of a champion is always about how they handle themselves in the face of adversity.
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