Chelsea Clobber Tottenham at Stanford Bridge

 4-0 

Premier League leaders Chelsea hosted a much improved Tottenham side today at Stanford Bridge.  Since Tim Sherwood has taken over the reigns as the Hotspurs manager late in December, Tottenham have worked their way back into Champions League contention.

Initially for Chelsea, Fernando Torres was scheduled to make the start at striker, but suffered a groin injury durring his pre-game warm up.  Samuel Eto'o was thrust into the line-up in his place and after avoiding an injury himself early in the match, provided a spark fot the Blues.

The first-half was rather wide open with neither team able to get the upper hand.  Tottenham were able to match the play of Chelsea despite being on the road.  However after the first-half the wheels started to come off.

In the second-half Tottenham defender Vertongen slipped while attempting to make a back-pass to his keeper and Eto'o was quick to pounce on the loose ball.  Eto'o managed to fire the shot between the legs of keeper Lloris to put Chelsea ahead (56').

Shortly after the first goal Tottenham were put deeper into trouble when centerback Younes Kaboul was sent off.  Kaboul committed a foul in the box on Eto'o earning a red card plus giving Chelsea a penalty.  Eden Hazard scored from the spot and Tottenham were in all essence done for (60').

Late in the game Eto'o was replaced by Demba Ba and more sloppy play by the dejected Tottenham defense allowed him to score two goals.  First a cross into the box by Oscar was not cleared by Sandro and Ba was able to split the legs of Lloris to score (88').  Then a moment later Kyle Walker made an ill-advised backwards header that went right to Ba who scored easily for the last goal of the match (90').

The final score does not accurately describe the performance by Tottenham, especially considering the first-half effort.  Sometimes when it rains it pours, and Chelsea managed to capitalize on every mistake by Tottenham.  With the win Chelsea extend their lead in first-place, though they have played more games than anyone other club in the top-four.  Nonetheless they are in good shape to close out the season as Premier League champions.