Tottenham Hotspur extended their unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League to a club record 13 matches with a goalless draw against Chelsea at White Hart Lane.
Mauricio Pochettino's side controlled possession for much of Sunday's
contest but were unable to turn it into goals in an encounter which
starkly contrasted Spurs’ 5-3 win in last season's corresponding
fixture.
Jose Mourinho's decision to drop Diego Costa may have contributed to the lack of goas, as his interchangeable front four, spearheaded by Eden Hazard, only really threatened on the break.
John Terry was absent due to injury for Chelsea, and the club captain’s absence was quickly felt as Harry Kane forced Asmir Begovic into a pair of early saves.
Chelsea grew into the match but did not test Hugo Lloris until the 68th minute, when the Frenchman denied Hazard with an excellent reflex stop.
Neither goalkeeper was to beaten before the final whistle, leaving Mourinho's side 14th in the table with one win in their last five BPL outings.
The Lilywhites, who made one change with Ryan Mason replacing the suspended Dele Alli, applied the early pressure and Begovic showed bravery and skill to twice deny Kane, first at the striker's feet before taking two attempts to hold a powerful, deflected drive.
Mourinho's men began to create better opportunities and, after Hazard sent a header off target, Pedro fired a swerving strike from 20 yards narrowly over the crossbar.
Spurs continued to enjoy the majority of possession, although Son Heung-min was unable to make it count when he directed a free header straight at Begovic with 27 minutes played.
The Bosnian was forced into further action soon after, diving low to his left to turn Mousa Dembele's skidding 25-yard hit around the post.
The absence of a recognised striker meant Chelsea were missing a target inside the penalty area, with Oscar's shank into the side netting ensuring they ended the half without a shot on target.
Kurt Zouma narrowly missed out on a simple finish from a Willian free-kick early in a second period of few chances.
Shortly after the hour, Son provided an attacking injection via a one-two with Erik Lamela, on in place of the injured Mason, but his snapshot was directed straight at Begovic.
It was a rare chance for Spurs in the second half, and with 68 minutes gone they required a fine save from Lloris to stop Hazard finding the net with an impressively executed volley.
Chelsea retreated further in the latter stages and looked to break at pace, but with Mourinho resisting the temptation to introduce Costa, the champions and their impressive hosts had to settle for a point.
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Maurico Pochettino: "Chelsea had only one shot on target and it was a good save from Hugo Lloris.
"They did not do much to win the game, we deserved more, we tried to win it.
"I think Chelsea will be happy with the point. It is more important to them than us."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "I have my team back playing as a team again, we have better spirit.
"I look to the future we have three matches at Stamford Bridge in December and Manchester United and Leicester away.
"I think a good December awaits us."
Jose Mourinho's decision to drop Diego Costa may have contributed to the lack of goas, as his interchangeable front four, spearheaded by Eden Hazard, only really threatened on the break.
John Terry was absent due to injury for Chelsea, and the club captain’s absence was quickly felt as Harry Kane forced Asmir Begovic into a pair of early saves.
Chelsea grew into the match but did not test Hugo Lloris until the 68th minute, when the Frenchman denied Hazard with an excellent reflex stop.
Neither goalkeeper was to beaten before the final whistle, leaving Mourinho's side 14th in the table with one win in their last five BPL outings.
The Lilywhites, who made one change with Ryan Mason replacing the suspended Dele Alli, applied the early pressure and Begovic showed bravery and skill to twice deny Kane, first at the striker's feet before taking two attempts to hold a powerful, deflected drive.
Mourinho's men began to create better opportunities and, after Hazard sent a header off target, Pedro fired a swerving strike from 20 yards narrowly over the crossbar.
Spurs continued to enjoy the majority of possession, although Son Heung-min was unable to make it count when he directed a free header straight at Begovic with 27 minutes played.
The Bosnian was forced into further action soon after, diving low to his left to turn Mousa Dembele's skidding 25-yard hit around the post.
The absence of a recognised striker meant Chelsea were missing a target inside the penalty area, with Oscar's shank into the side netting ensuring they ended the half without a shot on target.
Kurt Zouma narrowly missed out on a simple finish from a Willian free-kick early in a second period of few chances.
Shortly after the hour, Son provided an attacking injection via a one-two with Erik Lamela, on in place of the injured Mason, but his snapshot was directed straight at Begovic.
It was a rare chance for Spurs in the second half, and with 68 minutes gone they required a fine save from Lloris to stop Hazard finding the net with an impressively executed volley.
Chelsea retreated further in the latter stages and looked to break at pace, but with Mourinho resisting the temptation to introduce Costa, the champions and their impressive hosts had to settle for a point.
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Maurico Pochettino: "Chelsea had only one shot on target and it was a good save from Hugo Lloris.
"They did not do much to win the game, we deserved more, we tried to win it.
"I think Chelsea will be happy with the point. It is more important to them than us."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "I have my team back playing as a team again, we have better spirit.
"I look to the future we have three matches at Stamford Bridge in December and Manchester United and Leicester away.
"I think a good December awaits us."
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