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Chelsea are back in Premier League action again this weekend after bringing in France’s three points in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Blues are on a 13-game unbeaten streak and will come to the Tottenham game at the weekend with confidence.
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However, the good form of his opponents cannot be ignored either, who are currently at the top of the league and will also be full of confidence.
José Mourinho faces his old team once again, and it’s a London rivalry steeped in history, style and, often times, rage.
But it’s always a delightful prospect when these two square off against each other, and Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta has learned it over the years.
He has been involved in many battles against the Spurs, most notably in 2016 when they prevented their close rivals from winning the title.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Azpilicueta said:
“It’s one of those types of games where you normally feel a special atmosphere at Bridge and that game [in 2016]We were having a terrible season, we were down 2-0 at halftime. But, in the second half, the electricity around the stadium… I think something clicked that day that even though we weren’t playing for nothing, just to not let Tottenham win the league. It wasn’t just the game, it was also the title race that they were involved in.
“Every year is different and we had a very good record against them until two or three seasons ago when we lost, but hopefully we can continue to beat them at the Bridge.
“Since I came to Chelsea, I always tried to have the winning mentality of each match to finish on top of the trophies. That includes being the best team in London and we want to be on top because that means we are the No. 1. That’s why we fight. We are in good shape and hopefully we can improve from last season and now reach higher levels.
“I think José has a great history at Chelsea, but afterwards football continues. We played against him when he was at Manchester United and now he is at Tottenham. Obviously we are professionals and we want our team to win and obviously I am sure that José will want the same as us, which is to win the match.
“Any game against Tottenham is always a great derby, we know that everyone wants to be part of it. Both teams are in very good shape. Whatever happens, there’s still a long season ahead of us, but obviously in a game as important as this, with both teams in this form, it’s an important match for everyone and hopefully we’ll be in our prime because will. They need to be.”
