What if: Tottenham had beaten Chelsea and won the English Premier League last season
The weekend’s upon us as the big clash between London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, the biggest game of this gameweek set to be played tonight. The North Londoners are currently placed in the 5th spot, while the Blues are sitting pretty at the top spot but that could change on Saturday when Chelsea host Spurs at Stamford Bridge.
The two teams have had a strong rivalry, both being teams from London, but more so over the last decade with both Chelsea and Tottenham being regular contenders for European spots. Antonio Conte and Mauricio Pochettino are both known to be great tacticians. While one has had a spotless defensive record over the last one month, the other has been unbeaten this season and this game could be massive for both teams.
As we countdown to the game, this week's 'What If' features an interesting topic. We look at how things could possibly be affected in the present if Spurs had beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season and gone on the win the Premier League.
#1 The end of unbeaten streak at the Bridge
If there is a stat that is incredibly mindblowing, it is Tottenham not having won a single game at the Stamford Bridge in 29 games. That's right, 29! Spurs have visited Chelsea’s home 29 times since their victory in 1990 but haven't come out with 3 points ever since. Going into the game this weekend, this figure could add up to the pressure for Spurs.
However, if there is a Tottenham team that can bring an end to this unwanted stat, it is this bunch of players under Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine coach has transformed Tottenham from a team that usually finishes outside the top four, battling for the fourth spot to a top contender for the league and also a Champions League spot.
He will hope that the absence of Danny Rose and European football will not impact his team's performance.