Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher praised Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo as “absolutely fantastic” during the Blues’ game against Tottenham on Saturday.
Enzo Maresca’s side got back on track with a win over London rivals Spurs, moving them into fifth place in the Premier League, eight points clear of the summit.
Chelsea scored the only goal of the game in the 34th minute, when Caicedo’s great play allowed João Pedro to beat Guglielmo Vicario.
The Blues had the advantage as Tottenham failed to score much in the London derby and Carragher singled out “absolute monster” Caicedo for special praise.
Carragher told Sky Sports: “It wasn’t about the scorers, it was all about Caicedo. He’s an absolute monster in midfield. He’s an absolute monster in midfield.”
“He made challenge after challenge and basically scored goals for Chelsea. Caicedo’s was really good and exactly what Chelsea deserved.”
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“It’s not the first time I’ve angered Chelsea fans by saying that Declan Rice was just ahead of this guy (Caicedo), but…
“But now we’re looking at two of the best midfielders in world football, there’s no doubt about that. In my eyes, it’s no shame to be behind Rice. They’re both really good.”
Carragher said of the game as a whole: “The difference between Chelsea and Tottenham on the ball is night and day.
“Spurs have had a very poor run going forward. It’s been terrible. It’s a big result for Chelsea, but it also gives Thomas Frank a lot to think about. They have big problems at this stadium.”
Fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp believes Chelsea could take advantage of other teams around them who have struggled this season, saying: “When you look at Chelsea, there’s at least a little bit of excitement and flair. Tottenham just don’t seem to have the pace.”
“They didn’t know how to get on the pitch at all and it was too easy for Chelsea.
“If you analyze this year’s Premier League, there is one team that stands out. Arsenal are head and shoulders above the rest.”
“The rest of the teams are struggling. No one has found that consistency. That’s why Chelsea are trying to get it this season.”
“They’re confident and excited to watch Chelsea, but to be honest any team would have dreamed of the chance they had at Tottenham today.”
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Speaking about how poorly Tottenham looked, Redknapp continued: “It didn’t look difficult tonight against Spurs.
“It was very easy. If it had been a boxing match they would have stopped it. Tottenham were too poor.”
“I actually thought they were going to put up a real fight tonight, but that was one of the worst performances I’ve seen from Tottenham.
“They won three home games last year and I would probably put that in first place because if you translate it to other games, like last season when they lost 4-3, at least they were trying really hard.
“They chased the team. It could have gone either way and it was exciting. Today they never put the gloves on Chelsea.”
“They didn’t have the idea or understanding of how to play and they missed the task. They made things a lot easier for Chelsea.”
