The weekend’s upon us as the big clash between London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, the biggest game of this gameweek set to be played tonight. The North Londoners are currently placed in the 5th spot, while the Blues are sitting pretty at the top spot but that could change on Saturday when Chelsea host Spurs at Stamford Bridge.
The two teams have had a strong rivalry, both being teams from London, but more so over the last decade with both Chelsea and Tottenham being regular contenders for European spots. Antonio Conte and Mauricio Pochettino are both known to be great tacticians. While one has had a spotless defensive record over the last one month, the other has been unbeaten this season and this game could be massive for both teams.
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As we countdown to the game, this week's 'What If' features an interesting topic. We look at how things could possibly be affected in the present if Spurs had beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season and gone on the win the Premier League.
#1 The end of unbeaten streak at the Bridge
If there is a stat that is incredibly mindblowing, it is Tottenham not having won a single game at the Stamford Bridge in 29 games. That's right, 29! Spurs have visited Chelsea’s home 29 times since their victory in 1990 but haven't come out with 3 points ever since. Going into the game this weekend, this figure could add up to the pressure for Spurs.
However, if there is a Tottenham team that can bring an end to this unwanted stat, it is this bunch of players under Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine coach has transformed Tottenham from a team that usually finishes outside the top four, battling for the fourth spot to a top contender for the league and also a Champions League spot.
He will hope that the absence of Danny Rose and European football will not impact his team's performance.
#2 Major contract extensions and better squad depth at Spurs
After their disastrous end to the 2015-16 season of the Premier League, it looked like reality came crashing down on the Tottenham players. Talks about Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris' contract extensions were stalled with the players possibly pondering about their future with the club. However, had they won the league, both Kane and Lloris would've signed an extension without any second thought.
In the summer transfer window, Spurs strengthened their midfield with Victor Wanyama and Moussa Sissoko but both the new signings have been nothing special for the North Londoners so far. Spurs were linked with the likes of Isco and Morgan Schneiderlin and winning the Premier League could have certainly attracted players of such high quality.
With a much more strengthened squad, Tottenham could have had a better European campaign than they did this season in the Champions League.
#3 Jamie Vardy could have been at Arsenal
One of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window was certainly Jamie Vardy turning down Arsenal. The Leicester City striker chose to stay at his club, obliging to his boss' request, asking his players to stay on for at least another season. This move saw Arsenal go for Lucas Perez from Deportivo in Spain.
It was reported that Jamie Vardy, in fact, went as far as taking his medical with Tottenham's North London rivals before turning them down to stay with Leicester City. This move had generated a lot of respect for the England international due to his display of loyalty for the Champions.
Had Leicester City not won the league, Jamie Vardy could well be in Arsenal and Riyadh Mahrez would have probably left the Foxes as well.
#4 Eden Hazard's revival
When Tottenham faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season, Tottenham had a lot on the line while Chelsea were just in it to kill Tottenham's title hopes. Spurs looked to walk home with three points at half-time when they led 2-0 at the Bridge. However, the second half of that game would go on to be a historic one.
Gary Cahill pulled one back for the Blues putting them right back in the game. In a fierce second half that saw eight yellow cards, Eden Hazard sent not just the Stamford Bridge but Leicester City's supporters wild with a fantastic goal that would go on to be the goal that handed Leicester City the title.
Since this game, Hazard's form has started to revive. After great European Championship campaign is France, Hazard is now in the form of his life with Chelsea and will surely trouble Spurs yet again this weekend.
#5 The end of St.Totteringham's day
If losing the league was not enough for Tottenham last season, letting their fierce rivals Arsenal finish above was even worse. After the draw to Chelsea, Tottenham seemed to have lost their way, losing to both Southampton and Newcastle United in their last two fixtures.
The final game against Newcastle, who were already relegated, saw Tottenham start two points above Arsenal. However, as things turned out, Rafa Benitez's men gave Tottenham their worst beating of the season as they went down in style. Meanwhile, Arsenal thrashed Aston Villa, another club that was already relegated, 4-0 to send them above Spurs.
This saw Arsenal fans celebrate St.Totteringham's day - the point of the season where Tottenham can no more finish above Arsenal on the table, for the 21st year in a row.
