Tottenham Hotspur return to top of table with 0-0 draw at Chelsea

November 29, 2020 Tottenham Hotspur's Giovani Lo Celso in action with Chelsea's Christian Pulisic . [ REUTERS]

Tottenham Hotspur went back to the top of the Premier League on Sunday after a 0-0 draw at Chelsea left honours even between visiting manager Jose Mourinho and his one-time midfield lieutenant Frank Lampard, now in charge of the Blues.

Chelsea, who won three league titles under Mourinho, spent long periods camped in the Spurs half but struggled to break through the disciplined defending that was a hallmark of the Portuguese coach’s two spells in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The visitors threatened in the first half on the break, pouncing on any error to flood forward at speed.

Tottenham right back Serge Aurier forced Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into a save with a fierce shot in the 15th minute, and left back Sergio Reguilon also stretched the hosts.

Chelsea sought to start the second half on the front foot and right-back Reece James swung in two crosses but Tammy Abraham failed to connect with either.

A shot by Mason Mount was heading for the bottom corner in the 81st minute but was tipped wide by Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris.

In added time, Chelsea substitute Olivier Giroud was unable to capitalise on an error by Welshman Joe Rodon on his Spurs debut as the French striker hit a tame shot straight at Lloris.

The result took Spurs back above Liverpool on goal difference at the top of the table with both sides on 21 points, two ahead of third-placed Chelsea after 10 games.