Tottenham vs Chelsea: Goalkeeper Ratings

Not even 4 months have passed since Antonio Conte’s men had stream rolled to the title. But as the players embarked from the tunnel at Wembley, there was a stark contrast between the Champions and runner’s up of the Premier league 2016/17. Chelsea had to withstand a lot of scrutiny since stumbling to an underwhelming defeat at home to Burnley on opening day, while Spurs looked composed and confident, brushing aside Newcastle. It was the first home game away from White Hart Lane for Mauricio Pochettino’s exciting young side, and an opportunity to put aside their Wembley blues than conquering the below par Champions.
At the end of the day, Chelsea reminded everyone of the qualities that elevated them to the Premier League title last season, while Spurs yet again stumbled at Wembley, despite dominating possession and controlling the match for long periods. Marcos Alonso was at the lead of this opera, creating a moment of magic, while another moment of fortune ensured Chelsea prevailed 2–1. Here we evaluate the performances of the men behind the sticks of both sides, who played an important role in the proceedings.
Goalkeeper Ratings (Out of10)
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur) 4

It was an afternoon to forget for the Frenchman. First, he watched despairingly as Marcos Alonso produced a moment of absolute brilliance, curling a free kick beyond his reach from 25 yards out into the top corner. Then, he was culpable for the second one Alonso scored at the death to win the game. It all started with a hasty throw from the Spur’s captain towards Victor Wanyama midway inside his own half, who was subsequently robbed of possession by David Luiz. The ball was played through to a rampaging Alonso through Pedro, and his powerful low drive squirmed underneath Lloris, who could haplessly watch as the Chelsea players wheeled away in rapturous celebrations. He should consider himself lucky for not conceding another, as Alvaro Morata embarrassed himself missing from 6 yards out with only Lloris to beat in the 5th minute, while Willian also crammed a shot against the bar from outside the box deep into the 2nd half.
This invoked not so distant memories of the French shot stopper gifting 2 goals to Manchester City in January. Considered one of the best in the world, Mauricio Pochettino must be hoping his captain doesn’t make it a habit of conceding soft goals.
Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea) 7

The Belgian barely put a foot wrong in the game, making some important interventions as the champions put up a dogged display and held on for a euphoric win. He did spill a low hard shot from Harry Kane early in the game, but fortunately for him, no spur’s shirt was there to capitalize. He made noteworthy saves, first denying Kane by making himself big and then tipping over a Moussa Dembele drive over the bar. He could do nothing to stop Michy Batshuayi’s own goal to fly past him. Between that and Kane striking the foot of the post, one cannot help but think that the Chelsea keeper deserved a clean sheet.
