Chelsea and Tottenham played out a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge yesterday.
It was a game of caution instead of risk and on paper that may not sound ideal for Tanguy Ndombele.
But the Frenchman put in a dominant midfield display, completing six dribbles before being subbed on 64 minutes.
Not only was that more than anyone in Tottenham colours, it was the same as Chelsea’s entire team put together, as per WhoScored.
At half time, Ndombele had made four to Chelsea’s two. By full time, Mason Mount had made three, with N’Golo Kante, Tammy Abraham and Mateo Kovacic grabbing one apiece.
The former Lyon man has added greater robustness to his game this season, and that is helping to show his silky footwork.
He was unable to unlock the door in a game of few chances but was clearly confident in terms of taking the game to Chelsea.
Up against his countryman Kante, one of the best holding midfielders in the world, that’s no mean feat.
Given Jose Mourinho took Ndombele off with over 25 minutes left, perhaps there was something else about his afternoon which he didn’t enjoy.
Then again, with the games coming thick and fast, the substitution could have been for fitness reasons.
Next up for Tottenham is the north London derby against an Arsenal side short on goals and confidence after a 2-1 loss against Wolves yesterday.
Thomas Partey will be absent for the Gunners, and Mikel Arteta will need to find a way to stop Ndombele driving forward at his backline on Sunday.
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