Two goals on either side of the break took Chelsea to the top of the Premier League and ended Tottenham's unbeaten run.
Spurs looked the stronger side to start the match and went ahead in the 11th minute when Christian Eriksen scored from the edge of the area. The visitors had chances to extend their lead before Pedro equalised on the stroke of half-time. For much of the second 45 minutes, Chelsea were the more threatening side and it was no surprise when they got their noses in front. Spurs rallied in the last 15 minutes, but lacked the edge to find an equaliser.
Positives
A much improved performance after Tuesday's Champions' League horror show against Monaco. The team pressed hard, fought for every ball and -- in the first half, at least -- moved the ball around much faster than of late.
Negatives
The inability to hold onto a lead. Spurs are missing the strength, positional awareness and leadership skills of Toby Alderweireld, and his return can't come soon enough. Tiredness also took its toll after Tuesday night's efforts and the team lost control of the midfield for long periods of the second half. Finally, there was a noticeable lack of quality on the substitutes' bench.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- The decision to play three at the back, rather than featuring Jan Vertonghen as left-back, confused Chelsea for much of the first half and almost totally nullified Diego Costa. That said, it also made Mauricio Pochettino's decision to rest Vertonghen against Monaco more inexplicable. The manager reacted rather late to try and save the game; fresh legs were required earlier in the second half.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Hugo Lloris, 7 -- Had little chance with either of Chelsea's two goals and was otherwise barely tested. His distribution was also hesitant; he almost played Chelsea straight back in on goal with one of his passes.
DF Kyle Walker, 8 -- Is almost back at his best. His defensive work was first rate and he constantly posed a threat in attack. He needs more support when going forward.
DF Eric Dier, 7 -- Stayed close to Costa throughout and gave the Chelsea striker few opportunities. Still doesn't look wholly comfortable filling in for Alderweireld, but a solid performance overall.
DF Jan Vertonghen, 6 -- Did his best to marshall an unfamiliar back three, was seldom caught out of position and made several key tackles. One of Spurs' star performers.
DF Kevin Wimmer, 6 -- Was mostly secure, but allowed himself to be dragged out of position for Chelsea's second goal. His passing also leaves much to be desired. He goes for the long cross-field ball too often rather than building play from the back.
MF Victor Wanyama, 8 -- Was a workhorse. He never stopped running and was a constant thorn in the Chelsea side, giving their midfield little time to settle on the ball. He also showed more flair going forward than of late.
MF Mousa Dembele, 6 -- Interspersed his familiar driving runs and strength on the ball with some poor decision-making. He frequently tried to beat one defender too many and was caught in possession in dangerous areas on several occasions. A frustrating evening.
MF Christian Eriksen, 6 -- Took his goal with lethal precision and showed more enthusiasm for helping out in defence than of late, yet he is still a long way off his best; he is too often pushed off the ball and without the killer pass or the threatening runs, his play has become predictable and easy to contain.
MF Son Heung-Min, 6 -- Found himself in space down the left flank several times during the first half. There's no doubting his pace, but time and again his first touch lets him down and gives defenders time to regroup.
MF Dele Alli, 6 -- Provided the assist for Eriksen's goal and showed a few flashes of creativity, but not nearly enough. Spurs need more from him than a few clever flicks.
FW Harry Kane, 7 -- Worked hard throughout, but was rarely given the ball in dangerous areas. Had one early strike rightly ruled out for offside and tested Thibaut Courtois from distance midway through the first half. Hopeful signs he is getting back to his sharpest.
Substitutes
FW Vincent Janssen, N/R -- Was brought on with 10 minutes to spare to provide fresh legs and another body in the box, but never looked like breaking his Premier League duck.
MF Harry Winks, 6 -- Was never less than tidy, but it was asking a lot to expect him to change the course of the game. The Chelsea midfield had little trouble containing him.
MF Georges-Kevin N'Koudou, 7 -- Made several penetrating runs down the left flank and gave the Chelsea defence plenty to think about, even if his size made him often easy to knock off the ball.