Chelsea 0-2 Spurs | Roberto De Zerbi’s verdict
Roberto De Zerbi pinpointed the players' mentality as key to our deserved 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
A dominant performance was rewarded by an own goal from Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders to break the deadlock on 77 minutes before a wonderful solo effort from Mathys Tel to wrap it up 10 minutes later.
We were in control for long periods with Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali and James Maddison – later replaced by Conor Gallagher – particularly impressive, winning the key midfield battle.
Speaking to us afterwards, Roberto described it as a ‘complete performance’. “The quality of the players… today Mateus Fernandes, Tonali, van der Ven, Robertson, Mathys Tel, Maddison, Gallagher - they played very well," he said.
“Then the quality of the play, because we created many problems for Chelsea. The mentality, because we wanted to win this game. We fought in the right way and we made our fans and our club very happy.”
It was put to Roberto that the mentality – the belief to go out there and play – was underlined by 70% possession in the first half.
“At half-time, I said exactly like this,” he added. “I said we are playing very well, but there is too much balance - the result is too much balance. We can't consider that chance to score or to shoot, and we have to create more and more chances.
“I think the key for this club, for our club, for our team, is the mentality. I think now we are improving in the mentality. There is another atmosphere, there is another connection, and another relationship with the players.”