Battle of Stamford Bridge: Tottenham return to the scene of their undoing | David Hytner

Nov 25, 2016

Spurs’ last visit to Chelsea saw them lose both their composure and their hopes of the title – they return on Saturday searching for the cohesion and vibrancy that has deserted them since

In the midst of the mayhem, a football match broke out but it was unclear whether anybody noticed. The Battle of Stamford Bridge towards the end of last season, when Chelsea held Tottenham Hotspur to the 2-2 draw that dashed their title hopes, is remembered for the malevolence, the bench-emptying flashpoints and Mousa Dembélé’s eye-gouge on Diego Costa.

There were 12 yellow cards – a record nine for Tottenham – and the minor miracle of no reds. There was Érik Lamela’s Bafta nomination for best innocent face after his deliberate tread on Cesc Fàbregas. And there was Guus Hiddink being knocked down into the pit of the dugout during the mass confrontation at full-time. The Daily Mail wondered whether it had been the Premier League’s most shameful game. Frankly, what was not to like?

Tags: Chelsea Football Mauricio Pochettino Sport Tottenham Hotspur