Marcos Alonso got the reigning champions of England on the board first at Wembley on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur with a wonderful goal from right outside of the 18-yard box.
In their first meeting since their awesome encounter during the 2016-17 FA Cup Semifinal at Wembley Stadium, Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur clashed once more at Wembley in Week 2 of the 2017-18 Premier League season.
Chelsea took control in the early portion of the first half, frustrating Tottenham’s attack with limited opportunities to find space.
With David Luiz drawing a free kick opportunity outside of the 18-yard box for Chelsea right inside of the 25th minute in Chelsea’s attacking third, the Blues had a golden chance to strike first in the clash between the London rivals.
Enter Marcos Alonso.
Like he did throughout most of the Blues’ title-winning run last season, Alonso made his impact felt with a wonderful free kick goal on the left foot to put the champions up 1-0 on the hosts.
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Alonso’s goal capped what was a good first 25 minutes for Chelsea, who really had to fend off Tottenham down the stretch in the first half, including a couple strong chances from last year’s Golden Boot winner Harry Kane before the half concluded.
The Blues sit atop at Wembley through one half of play thanks to Alonso’s first goal of the campaign, but it hasn’t come easy for Chelsea since. Tottenham is making life hard for Chelsea’s backline, who had so much success shutting opponents down last season during their historic season.
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For now, life is good for the Blues. But, if their last two matches at Wembley Stadium are any indication of what to expect in the second half, it’s going to be a nail-biting finish for Chelsea and their supporters against the hungry upstarts in the white shirts.