Tottenham 2-0 Chelsea: Dele Alli double ends Blues' winning run at White Hart Lane – 5 things we learned

Dele Alli scored twice to end Chelsea’s winning run and blow the Premier League title race open.

The Blues had won 13 matches ahead of the White Hart Lane clash but were deservedly beaten by Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham.

Alli continued his sensational form as he headed home Christian Eriksen’s header on the stroke of half-time.

The pair combined again after the break as Alli nodded in his seventh goal in four games.

Chelsea stay five points ahead at the top but Spurs climb into third and put themselves right in the title picture.

Unfortunately, there won’t be too many more special nights like this at the Lane.

Here are five things we learned.

1. Spurs can play three at the back too

Antonio Conte has won so many plaudits for changing Chelsea’s tactics to use a back three this season.

But Mauricio Pochettino proved he is just as tactically astute, using a back three to counter act Chelsea’s formation.

Of course Pochettino has done it before but the Tottenham boss is willing to change for particular matches and to try and outsmart different opponents.

They looked well drilled, the players are adaptable and the back three of Toby Alderweireld, Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen ultimately won the day.

2. Kante vs Dembele battle doesn’t disappoint

This was one hell of a midfield scrap. Chelsea’s midfield enforcer N’Golo Kante up against Tottenham’s powerhouse Moussa Dembele.

They have been arguably the best two central midfielders of their type in the past 12 months. Kante led Leicester to the Premier League title last season. Dembele was right up there with him.

Last night, Dembele won their head-to-head, his power and driving runs put Chelsea on the back foot and he also restricted Kante from getting forward.

It was a fascinating battle. But Dembele showed who was boss last night.

3. Atkinson restores faith in officials

It’s been a bad week for Premier League officials. Mike Dean’s barmy red card at West Ham putting refs in the spotlight.

And if ever there was a test for a ref then it was this. Tottenham’s draw at Chelsea last season produced 12 yellow cards and their encounter at Stamford Bridge in November was not for the faint hearted either.

But Martin Atkinson, among the Prem’s best three refs, took complete control. Atkinson did not book anyone until the 18th minute when he showed a yellow to Pedro.

Atkinson only produced five yellows in total and let the game flow.

Pat on the back, Mr Atkinson. Mark Clattenburg and Michael Oliver are also top class. This was how it should be done.

4. Costa and Pedro provide comedy gold

Diego Costa provided one of the best moments of the night, berating Pedro in the first half for misplacing a through ball.

Their angry spat carried on for two or three minutes afterwards, finger pointing and gesticulating between the pair.

It was a wonderfully funny moment. It shows they care and who provided Costa with his best opening of the night? Yes, Pedro. He didn’t take it. But there were no grudges held.

We love Diego Costa – even on an off night.

5. Title race is back on

The rest of the Premier League can thank Tottenham – and in particular Dele Alli.

Alli’s brilliant performance, his two headed goals not only won the game for Tottenham but also gave the rest hope.

Chelsea could have gone way clear, now Liverpool are only five points behind and Tottenham seven points adrift.

But it also proved Chelsea are not untouchable. We may yet have a title race on our hands rather than a one-sided precession for the rest of the campaign.

Player ratings

Tottenham

Lloris 6 – Not his most strenuous night but looked his usual composed self

Dier 6 – Did not look entirely comfortable on the right of a three-man defence

Alderweireld 7 – Took main responsibility for the handling of Costa – and handled him well

Vertonghen 6 – Looks accomplished in most things he does. A quietly effective performer again

Walker 6 – Played a part in build-up to Alli’s goals but not foot perfect in parts

Wanyama 6 – Booked. Immense physical presence but lacked a little fleetness in the midfield tussle

Demeble 6 – Made his usual number of telling interventions but restricted to destructive duties

Rose 8 – Relished the freedom to attack at will. Pick of the wing-backs

Eriksen 8 – The most creative player on the field, crosses for Alli goals simple but nice

Alli 9 MOTM – Booked. Brimful of confidence, his majesty confirmed by the towering headers.

Kane 6 – Led the attack with usual gusto but found it tough going against robust foe

Subs

Winks (Dembele 74mins) 6
Sissoko (Alli 86 mins) 6
Son (Kane 90 mins)

Chelsea

Courtois 6 – Not a massive amount to do and blameless for Spurs opener

Cahill 6 – Booked. Hauled back Eriksen for a booking and looked least comfortable of the back three.

Luiz 7 – Wasted a dangerous free-kick but again looked reliable in his main duty

Azpilicueta 5 – Allowed Alli to drift behind him for opening two goals. Costly switch-offs

Moses 5 – Struggled in battle of wing-backs with Rose and prone to losing his bearings

Matic 6 – Played Hazard in with one cute pass but otherwise, it was workmanlike stuff

Kante 6 – Did not make his usual mark on proceedings and will have better games

Alonso 6 – Another who struggled to make much of an impact and isolated too often

Pedro 6 – Booked. Seemed to have his confidence drained by a spat with team-mate Costa

Costa 7 – Always looked a threat but generally endured a frustrating night.

Hazard 6 – Squandered Chelsea’s best chances … and at crucial times as well. Will be disappointed

Subs

Willian (Alonso 65mins) 6
Fabregas (Kante 79mins) 6
Batshuayi (Moses 85mins) 6