Tottenham Draw at Stamford Bridge

Tottenham faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Saturday and the results were anything but riveting.  Even though the game lacked some spectacular quarrel, it still counted as a victory for the Spurs as it marked a top-four finish at the Barclays Premier League. 

A victory for Tottenham brought woe to Chelsea as they struggle to make it to the Champion’s League for next season.

Needless to say, both teams had many chances to score; Spurs' very own Rafael van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor both missed virtual opening goals.

 Adebayor was set up by a great chipped pass from Luka Modric over the Chelsea defense, which he commanded and surpassed Petr Cech. The touch fell short and Chelsea's Gary Cahill denied the shot from going into the net. From the same corner Gareth Bale hit the bar before Adebayor headed over from two yards out. 

Rafael van der Vaart missed a brilliant double chance as he fired Luka Modric's rejected cross straight at Petr Cech and his rebound effort was hindered on the line by Ashley Cole. 

Referee Martin Atkinson ignored appeals for a penalty in the 28th minute when Frank Lampard ran into William Gallas' lagging leg after one of Juan Mata's pass.

Second half was played with much more strength. In the 57^th minute the Spurs had Bale steal Kyle Walker's shot that swerved into the side of the netting as he came on from the right. Chelsea struck back, almost finding the back of the net when Juan Mata hit the post with an excellent free kick leaving  Brad Friedel marooned.  Didier Drogba set up Daniel Sturridge with a header but unfortunately jabbed his shot wide of Friedel's post. 

Possession played a crucial role for both teams but Chelsea was too slow with it. Manager Roberto Di Matteo commented, “We did not move the ball quickly enough. To be fair to them they defended well, playing very deep.” 

It’s been 22 years since the Spurs beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and that’s enough for fans to celebrate even though no actual goals were scored on either end.

The draw pushes Tottenham five points over Chelsea which one of the few challenging remaining games this season. The Spurs should have no trouble being one of the favorites to finish top in the English Premier League ranks.

By Viviana Garcia, Matt Sinacore