6 interceptions, 9 recoveries: Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen puts on defensive masterclass against Chelsea

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Tottenham Hotspur defeated Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham Hotspur ended their Stamford Bridge hoodoo on Sunday as they ended their 28-year wait for victory there with an impressive 3-1 win which all-but secures their place in the top four.

Spurs had not only disappointed on their recent travels to West London, they went in to the game against Chelsea having won only once away against the Premier League’s ‘big six’ in 19 games.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side, however, weren’t to be denied again as a stunning Christian Eriksen strike cancelled out Alvaro Morata’s opener before England international Dele Alli fired twice in the second period.

While Alli rightly earned the plaudits for his impressive double, arguably Spurs’ best player on the day wasn’t the young attacking midfielder but experienced defender Vertonghen who lead by example.

As shown by the table provided by Opta Stats, Vertonghen contributed with a defensive masterclass as the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian were barely noticeable with so few touches inside the Spurs box.

The 30-year-old was for the most part up against a somewhat rejuvenated Morata, and he more than won his fair share of duels as he recorded an impressive six interceptions, six clearances and nine recoveries.

Antonio Conte’s men threatened to put Tottenham in a sticky situation when they went 1-0 up, though despite the momentum they had created, Vertonghen and his fellow Spurs defenders stood firm.

The Belgium international has become a key figure in North London, and his role in the team has helped fellow defender Davinson Sanchez accustom to English football in replace of Toby Alderweireld.

Alderweireld is a popular figure among the Spurs supporters, but such strong performances from the club’s current central defensive pair means they have barely noticed his absence over the past few months.